East Carolina University's published cost of attendance totals $23,689 annually, comprising $7,361 in in-state tuition, $23,638 for out-of-state students, $11,000 for room and board, and $1,794 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays substantially less after financial aid, with a net price of $16,514 representing $7,175 in financial aid savings.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $23,689 |
| Tuition and Fees | $23,638 |
| Room and Board | $11,000 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,794 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,175 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,514 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,128 |
| $30–48k | $12,290 |
| $48–75k | $16,785 |
| $75–110k | $20,979 |
| $110k+ | $22,787 |
East Carolina University's published cost of attendance totals $23,689 annually, comprising $7,361 in in-state tuition, $23,638 for out-of-state students, $11,000 for room and board, and $1,794 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays substantially less after financial aid, with a net price of $16,514 representing $7,175 in financial aid savings. This net price falls $924 below the peer median of $15,590, making East Carolina moderately more affordable than similar public institutions.
The financial aid system provides meaningful cost reduction across income levels, with the most substantial benefits directed toward lower-income families. Net costs range from $11,128 for families earning under $30,000 annually to $22,787 for those earning over $110,000, creating a progressive pricing structure that supports the university's access mission. This $11,659 spread between lowest and highest income tiers demonstrates significant means-based assistance that makes education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds while maintaining reasonable costs for all families.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
East Carolina University graduates carry median debt of $22,750, which falls around the typical range nationally at the 51st percentile. The debt distribution spans from $7,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing patterns across most students.
Compared to peer institutions with median debt of $20,000, East Carolina graduates borrow $2,750 more on average, though this difference remains modest in the context of overall educational investment. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates manageable borrowing relative to post-graduation income, with graduates earning approximately $2.42 for every dollar borrowed.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,004 with monthly payments of $224, representing additional family investment in education. The combination of median debt around $23,000 with median earnings of $55,146 creates sustainable repayment scenarios for most graduates.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
East Carolina University presents a solid educational investment proposition, particularly for students prioritizing accessibility and economic mobility. Graduates earn around the national average with median earnings of $55,146 placing at the 57th percentile, while maintaining debt levels that support manageable repayment.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates sustainable borrowing, with graduates earning sufficient income to support loan payments without financial distress. Earnings beyond expectations measure -$448, indicating performance around predicted levels rather than dramatic value-added outcomes.
However, the university's strength lies in economic mobility, ranking at the 93.4th percentile for converting educational access into career advancement. The combination of open access admission, reasonable costs, and strong mobility outcomes creates particular value for first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
East Carolina University's financial aid approach reflects its commitment to educational access and economic diversity. With 31.3% of students receiving Pell grants, the university serves a substantial population of lower-income students who benefit most from federal and institutional aid programs.
The $7,175 average financial aid savings brings costs down from the $23,689 sticker price to the $16,514 net price, representing meaningful assistance for most families. The aid system creates the steepest discounts for families earning under $48,000, with net prices of $11,128 and $12,290 respectively.
This concentration of aid resources toward lower-income students supports the university's strong mobility outcomes and Opportunity Builder designation. Middle-income families also receive substantial assistance, with net prices remaining below $21,000 even for families earning up to $110,000 annually.
