Public

Large

American Conference

East Carolina University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range1060 to 1220

ACT Range19 to 25

Average GPA3.28

Acceptance Rate89.2%

East Carolina’s 89% acceptance rate and 3.28 average GPA mean a solid B record can put you in range. Use testing selectively: submit an ACT near 25 or SAT near 1220 if it strengthens your application, and otherwise focus on grades and course rigor under the test-optional policy.

Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.

East Carolina University facts and stats

Quick Facts

East Carolina University is an urban public university with an undergraduate enrollment of 21,445. East Carolina has a freshman retention rate of 83%, which is above the national average of roughly 70%, and a 6-year graduation rate of 63%. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.

Location

Greenville, NC

Undergrad Enrollment21,445

Freshman Retention83%

SettingUrban

Student to Faculty Ratio17:1

Graduation Rate63%

Test PolicyTest-optional

How do your scores compare at East Carolina?

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Key East Carolina University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

April 1

Early Action

Not offered

Early Decision

Not offered

Priority Deadline

—

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

March 1

Test dates

SAT test dates

August 22, 2026

Registration deadline: August 7, 2026

September 12, 2026

Registration deadline: August 28, 2026

October 3, 2026

Registration deadline: September 18, 2026

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

Because East Carolina is test-optional, this timeline only matters if you choose to submit SAT or ACT scores. Plan to take your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and fall retakes to improve your score; a December retake should still arrive in time for the April 1 Regular Decision deadline.

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What you'll actually pay

East Carolina, a public American Conference university, lists in-state tuition at $4,452 and out-of-state tuition at $20,729. About 49% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is March 1.

In-State Tuition$4,452

Out-of-State Tuition$20,729

Room and Board$11,572

Average Merit Award$4,017

Application Fee$75

Students on Aid49%

Average Aid Package$11,239

Average Debt at Grad$25,617

At East Carolina University, out-of-state tuition is $20,729, while in-state tuition is $4,452, with room and board adding about $11,572. About 49% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $11,239. Merit awards average $4,017, which can help reduce costs for students who qualify. Graduates leave with an average debt of $25,617.