East Central University demonstrates exceptional affordability through comprehensive financial aid that dramatically reduces published costs. The university's cost of attendance totals $17,559 annually, consisting of $8,032 in-state tuition, $7,752 for room and board, and $1,590 for books and supplies.
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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) | $18,459 |
| Tuition and Fees | $17,842 |
| Room and Board | $8,516 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,590 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,776 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $8,683 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,151 |
| $30–48k | $6,402 |
| $48–75k | $7,155 |
| $75–110k | $12,154 |
| $110k+ | $10,702 |
East Central University demonstrates exceptional affordability through comprehensive financial aid that dramatically reduces published costs. The university's cost of attendance totals $17,559 annually, consisting of $8,032 in-state tuition, $7,752 for room and board, and $1,590 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $9,287 after financial aid, representing $8,272 in average financial aid savings that cut costs by 47.1%.
This net price of $9,287 sits $4,806 below the peer median of $14,093, positioning East Central University among the most affordable options for similar institutions. The university's affordability index ranks at the 91.6th percentile nationally, earning excellent tier performance that reflects both low published costs and generous financial aid. Out-of-state tuition increases to $17,542, though many students benefit from aid that reduces actual costs substantially.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
East Central University excels in debt management, producing graduates with median debt of $17,671 that ranks in the 80th percentile nationally for low debt levels. Student debt ranges from $4,969 at the 25th percentile to $20,250 at the 75th percentile, indicating controlled borrowing across most students.
The median debt sits $3,434 below the peer median of $21,105, demonstrating superior debt control compared to similar institutions. This results in a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39, meaning graduates' debt equals 39% of their first-year post-graduation earnings—well within sustainable repayment ranges.
Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,000 with monthly payments of $132, indicating moderate family borrowing levels that supplement student aid. The combination of strong financial aid, controlled educational costs, and managed borrowing creates debt levels that support long-term financial stability rather than creating repayment burdens.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
East Central University delivers solid educational value through exceptional affordability rather than premium earnings outcomes. Graduates achieve $408 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 57.8th percentile and earning the above-average tier designation for value-added performance.
While median earnings of $44,962 place the university at the 26th percentile nationally, debt of $17,671 ranks in the 80th percentile for debt control. The earnings-to-debt ratio of $2.54 earned for every dollar borrowed compares favorably to institutions with higher earnings but proportionally higher debt levels.
Graduate earnings of $44,962 exceed peer median earnings by $5,154 gap, while debt remains $3,434 below peer levels, creating a double advantage in affordability and outcomes. The return on investment ranks around the national average at the 42nd percentile, reflecting balanced performance when combining earnings outcomes with educational costs.
East Central University's financial aid strategy prioritizes accessibility for students from diverse economic backgrounds, particularly those from lower-income families. The university serves 39.8% Pell-eligible students, reflecting substantial enrollment of students whose families earn under approximately $50,000 annually.
Average financial aid savings of $8,272 reduce the published cost of attendance from $17,559 to $9,287, demonstrating institutional commitment to affordability. The progressive net price structure concentrates aid among students with the greatest need, with families earning under $30,000 paying $6,438 compared to $14,395 for families earning over $110,000.
This aid targeting supports both access and completion, as evidenced by the 40.1% Pell completion rate that exceeds the overall 32.7% graduation rate. The university's financial aid effectiveness extends beyond federal programs to include institutional aid that supplements Pell grants and other need-based assistance.
