Elizabeth City, NC — Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) announces a remarkable 23% increase in the number of first-time freshmen enrolled for the Fall 2024 semester. The freshman class has surged to 427 students, up from 347 in Fall 2023, making it the largest freshman class since 2012.
With nearly 70% of the incoming class coming from North Carolina, most come from northeastern and central North Carolina counties including Pasquotank, Hertford, Mecklenburg, Wake, Forsyth, Guilford, Bertie, Durham, Beaufort, and Nash.
The top 5 majors for the class of 2028 are Aviation Science, Business Administration, Kinesiology, Computer Information Science, and Sports Management.
In addition to the significant increase in first-time student enrollment, the Fall 2024 freshman class reflects a unique and unprecedented trend with 30% more male students than female students challenging the national trend of male enrollment decline.
"I am thrilled to welcome our largest freshman class in over 10 years to ECSU," said Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds. “This remarkable growth highlights our unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality, affordable education and fostering a welcoming environment that supports student success and well-being. At ECSU, our students Come to Discover and Leave to Conquer. I look forward to seeing our new Vikings discover their passions, explore endless possibilities, and conquer their dreams here at ECSU.”
Strategies to attract students to ECSU involved campus-wide efforts including a Spring recruitment tour to Charlotte, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem where prospective students engaged with ECSU students, received real-time information about financial aid and scholarships, and received on-site admission decisions. ECSU also launched its “ECSU is for You” campaign with efforts to increase awareness of the 100% online degree and certificate programs.
“As we continue to grow our student population, we are committed to ensuring that our students love where they live and learn. We will continue to invest in the campus with new projects and renovations that equip our students to excel in the classroom and beyond,” said Interim Chancellor Edmonds.
Campus housing is currently at full capacity and a new residence hall and dining hall are set to open in 2025.
More information regarding ECSU’s Fall 2024 enrollment growth can be found here.