Elizabeth City, N.C. – Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) is proving that big opportunities come at a small price. A new study by SmartAsset has ranked ECSU No. 1 in North Carolina for college tuition and No. 2 for overall best value among the state’s higher education institutions.
The study evaluated schools across five categories: tuition, student living costs, scholarship and grant offerings, student retention, and starting salary for new graduates. ECSU’s high marks in affordability and postgraduate outcomes set it apart, with an average tuition of just $5,000 and a median starting salary for graduates of $54,300.
“ECSU continues to demonstrate that a high-quality education can be both accessible and affordable,” said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. “This ranking reaffirms our commitment to providing exceptional academic opportunities while equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their careers.”
ECSU’s tuition index score of 94.56 secured its top position for affordability, proving that students can receive a high-quality education without accumulating excessive debt.
Duke University claimed the top spot in the overall best value rankings, but ECSU outperformed several larger institutions, including NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill. ECSU’s College Education Value Index score of 76.83 was shy of Duke’s 77.26, thanks to its low tuition, reasonable living costs and solid scholarship opportunities.
ECSU’s affordability matches its results. With a retention rate of 76%, this shows strong student satisfaction, and its graduates’ earning potential proves that this small-town school is a big deal in higher education.
The institution offers a winning formula for North Carolinians and beyond—affordable education, supportive campus life and a bright financial future for graduates.
For more on this study and how ECSU earned its spot among the top, visit SmartAsset’s full rankings.