Greenville, NC · Private University
Is East Carolina University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$55,146
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$7,361
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$23,638
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$94,552
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.33x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
62.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$22,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$16,514
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
East Carolina University graduates earn $10,146 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at East Carolina University ranked by graduate earnings
56 graduates
67 graduates
145 graduates
155 graduates
79 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at East Carolina University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At East Carolina University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $96,859) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $24,121) is $72,738/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $96,859 | 4.1x |
| Computer Science | $81,246 | 3.4x |
| Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other | $78,175 | 3.3x |
| Engineering, General | $77,366 | 3.3x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $68,973 | 2.9x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $66,390 | 2.8x |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $66,262 | 2.8x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $64,191 | 2.7x |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences | $62,224 | 2.6x |
| Marketing | $60,002 | 2.5x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $57,782 | 2.4x |
| Economics | $56,602 | 2.4x |
| Chemistry | $55,980 | 2.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,907 | 2.4x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $55,499 | 2.4x |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $53,399 | 2.3x |
| Political Science and Government | $53,257 | 2.3x |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations(1yr data) | $52,684 | 2.2x |
| Mathematics | $50,943 | 2.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $48,249 | 2.0x |
| Biology, General | $47,217 | 2.0x |
| Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences | $47,185 | 2.0x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $47,167 | 2.0x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $46,462 | 2.0x |
| Apparel and Textiles | $46,015 | 1.9x |
| Social Work | $44,272 | 1.9x |
| Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services | $43,225 | 1.8x |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $43,179 | 1.8x |
| Public Health | $43,026 | 1.8x |
| History | $42,711 | 1.8x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $42,598 | 1.8x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $41,964 | 1.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,902 | 1.8x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,251 | 1.8x |
| Psychology, General | $41,111 | 1.7x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $40,587 | 1.7x |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $40,169 | 1.7x |
| Sociology | $39,917 | 1.7x |
| Parks, Recreation and Leisure Studies | $38,749 | 1.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $36,912 | 1.6x |
| Linguistic, Comparative, and Related Language Studies and Services(1yr data) | $35,561 | 1.5x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $34,546 | 1.5x |
| Anthropology | $33,518 | 1.4x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $32,229 | 1.4x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $24,121 | 1.0x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
East Carolina University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $55,146 10 years after starting, $10,146 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.7 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.