Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Elizabeth City State University at a Glance
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is a public historically Black university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. It enrolls nearly 2,500 students in 28 undergraduate programs and 4 graduate programs and is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the University of North Carolina system.
1891
135 years old
$17M
$16.7 million (2021)
2,149
2,033 undergrad · 116 grad
200 acres
Identity
Is Elizabeth City State University Worth It?
Elizabeth City State University delivers solid financial returns for its graduates. At $6,364/year, it's priced 69% below average, while graduates go on to earn $40,026 — near the national average.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $21,463 representing 54% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: Elizabeth City State University delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How Elizabeth City State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #13 of 95 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #6 | West Virginia University at Parkersburg | 97 | $1,807 | $35,171 |
| #13 | Elizabeth City State University | 72 | $6,364 | $40,026 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Elizabeth City State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Elizabeth City State University
The highest-earning program at Elizabeth City State University is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $28,600/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $17,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate from Elizabeth City State University earns $28,600, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $17,200. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $6,364/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,600 | $28,600 | $27,340 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $27,900 | $27,900 | $30,112 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $23,900 | $23,900 | $27,312 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $23,700 | $23,700 | $33,600 |
| Sociology | $19,500 | $19,500 | $29,482 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $18,800 | $18,800 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $17,200 | $17,200 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Elizabeth City, NC
- Student Body
- 1,975 students
- Admission Rate
- 64%
- Graduation Rate
- 46%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $6,364
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,026
- Median Student Debt
- $21,463