ECPI University
ECPI University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is ECPI University Worth It?
At a value score of 20/100, ECPI University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $42,837 — 20% below average — while paying $22,965/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 44% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at ECPI University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How ECPI University compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #4 of 9 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Monroe University | 40 | $14,522 | $41,236 |
| #2 | Rasmussen University-Minnesota | 29 | $17,962 | $39,080 |
| #3 | South College | 21 | $17,858 | $36,642 |
| #4 | ECPI University | 20 | $22,965 | $42,837 |
| #5 | Capella University | 16 | $17,956 | $42,189 |
| #6 | Post University | 13 | $21,634 | $38,696 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of ECPI University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at ECPI University
The highest-earning program at ECPI University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $67,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $31,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from ECPI University earns $67,100, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $31,100. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $12,500 in median debt vs. $31,014 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $22,965/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $67,100 | $67,100 | $12,500 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $49,100 | $49,100 | $37,158 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians | $47,100 | $47,100 | $39,044 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $43,000 | $43,000 | $36,177 |
| Computer Programming | $42,900 | $42,900 | $34,203 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $41,700 | $41,700 | $41,915 |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $41,200 | $41,200 | $36,009 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $35,900 | $35,900 | $37,807 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $35,400 | $35,400 | $35,045 |
| Hospitality Administration/Management | $31,700 | $31,700 | $27,471 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $31,300 | $31,300 | $38,378 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $31,100 | $31,100 | $31,014 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Student Body
- 12,090 students
- Admission Rate
- 75%
- Graduation Rate
- 44%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $22,965
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $42,837
- Median Student Debt
- $20,000