UNC Charlotte vs East Carolina University

When it comes to choosing the right university, it's essential to consider factors like acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. University of North Carolina at Charlotte and East Carolina University, both esteemed institutions in North Carolina, offer distinct experiences. UNC Charlotte boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option, while ECU has a slightly higher graduation rate. UNC Charlotte excels in engineering and business, while ECU shines in health professions and education. UNC Charlotte's student body is more diverse, with a larger international student population, while ECU has a higher percentage of in-state students. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve deeper into these differences and make an informed decision that aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	East Carolina University	University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Overview
Location	Greenville, North Carolina	Charlotte, North Carolina
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	81.0%	85.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	93.9%	79.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75	Undergraduate: $75 Graduate: $75
SAT range	N/A	1120 - 1320
ACT range	N/A	21 - 26
Students submitting SAT score		21.0%
Students submitting ACT score		54.0%
Total number of applicants	21,898	20,366
Total number of admissions given out	20,560	16,180
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,100	4,256
Yield rate	19.9%	26.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $23,215 Out of state: $39,492	In state: $23,716 Out of state: $37,150
Average net price	$14,762	$15,682
Tuition	In state: $4,452 Out of state: $20,729	In state: $3,812 Out of state: $17,246
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,630 Meal plan: $4,060	Room/dormitory: $7,322 Meal plan: $4,420
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	63.0% Average amount $7,761	61.0% Average amount $7,807
Students receiving federal student loan	51.0% Average amount $5,180	49.0% Average amount $5,311
Students taking out private loans	8.0% Average amount $14,093	7.0% Average amount $14,942

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	22,463 Men 41.2% Women 58.8%	24,116 Men 52.5% Women 47.5%
Graduate students	5,558 Men 32.6% Women 67.4%	6,332 Men 39.4% Women 60.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Low	Moderate
Out-of-state students	13.6%	8.8%
International students	0.8%	5.7%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	5,203	5,983
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	North Carolina Virginia Maryland Pennsylvania New York	North Carolina South Carolina Virginia New York New Jersey

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Business Engineering Technologies Computer and Information Science	Education Engineering Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science
Students to faculty ratio	18:1	20:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	65.8%	65.7%
Dropout rate	8.3%	8.6%
Transferred out	24.1%	23.1%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Dentistry (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $98,089 Year 2: $119,805 Year 3: $156,994 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $101,084 Year 2: $98,551 Year 3: $99,673 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $92,078 Year 2: $86,590 Year 3: $95,227 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $79,013 Year 2: $78,719 Year 3: $81,578 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,120 Year 2: $66,653 Year 3: $80,376 Finance and Financial Management Services (Graduate/Professional Certificates) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $70,471 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,817 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $69,508 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $63,622 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $69,466 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,056 Year 2: $58,447 Year 3: $68,486 Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $54,979 Year 2: $55,840 Year 3: $68,003	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $99,028 Year 2: $123,527 Year 3: $120,396 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $76,492 Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $90,016 Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $88,922 Year 2: $78,343 Year 3: $88,416 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $58,378 Year 2: $70,829 Year 3: $79,712 Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (Master's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $71,575 Year 3: $74,196 Civil Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $61,022 Year 2: $65,387 Year 3: $73,734 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,160 Year 2: $63,898 Year 3: $73,656 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,433 Year 2: $60,920 Year 3: $72,989 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $61,034 Year 2: $60,335 Year 3: $70,327 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,768 Year 2: $62,666 Year 3: $69,749

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between UNC Charlotte and East Carolina University (ECU)?

UNC Charlotte is a large, urban research university known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and business, located in the heart of Charlotte's growing metropolitan area. ECU, located in Greenville, is a comprehensive university with a strong emphasis on health sciences, education, and the arts, and it has a more traditional campus feel.
Which university is larger, UNC Charlotte or ECU?

UNC Charlotte and ECU are both large universities, but ECU generally has a slightly larger total enrollment. However, enrollment numbers can fluctuate, so it's best to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date figures.
Where are UNC Charlotte and ECU located?

UNC Charlotte is located in Charlotte, North Carolina, a major urban center with a thriving business and cultural scene. ECU is located in Greenville, North Carolina, a smaller city in the eastern part of the state, offering a more traditional college town atmosphere.
What academic programs are UNC Charlotte known for?

UNC Charlotte is particularly well-regarded for its programs in engineering (especially mechanical and electrical), computer science, architecture, business administration, and data science. It also has a growing reputation in health-related fields.
What academic programs are ECU known for?

ECU is known for its strong programs in health sciences (nursing, medicine, allied health), education, fine arts (especially theater and music), and business. It has a long-standing commitment to serving eastern North Carolina.
How do the campus environments differ between UNC Charlotte and ECU?

UNC Charlotte has a more modern, urban campus with a focus on integration with the city of Charlotte. ECU has a more traditional, self-contained campus feel, with a strong sense of community and school spirit. The atmosphere at UNC Charlotte is more fast-paced and career-oriented, while ECU offers a more relaxed and community-focused environment.
What is the student life like at UNC Charlotte?

Student life at UNC Charlotte is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of clubs, organizations, and activities. The university benefits from its location in Charlotte, offering students access to numerous cultural, entertainment, and professional opportunities. There's a growing emphasis on campus traditions and school spirit.
What is the student life like at ECU?

ECU has a strong sense of school spirit and tradition, with a focus on athletics and campus-based activities. There are numerous clubs, organizations, and events catering to a wide range of interests. ECU is known for its active Greek life and strong alumni network.
How do the costs of attending UNC Charlotte and ECU compare?

Tuition and fees at UNC Charlotte and ECU are generally comparable for in-state students. Out-of-state tuition will be higher at both institutions. It's best to check the official university websites for the most up-to-date cost information, including tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. Also, consider the cost of living in Charlotte versus Greenville, as Charlotte is generally more expensive.
What are the admission requirements for UNC Charlotte and ECU?

Admission requirements for both UNC Charlotte and ECU include a strong high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), and a well-rounded application. Specific requirements may vary depending on the program of study. It's recommended to check the admissions websites of both universities for the most current and detailed information.
Which university is better for someone interested in a career in healthcare?

ECU is generally considered stronger in healthcare fields due to its Brody School of Medicine and its extensive health sciences programs. However, UNC Charlotte also offers strong programs in nursing and other health-related areas, and its location in Charlotte provides access to numerous healthcare employers.
Which university is better for someone interested in a career in technology or business?

UNC Charlotte is generally considered stronger in technology and business fields due to its location in a major financial center and its strong programs in computer science, engineering, and business administration. However, ECU also offers solid business programs and is growing its technology offerings.
Do UNC Charlotte and ECU offer online programs?

Yes, both UNC Charlotte and ECU offer a variety of online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The specific programs available online may vary, so it's best to check the university websites for a complete list.
What kind of financial aid and scholarships are available at UNC Charlotte and ECU?

Both UNC Charlotte and ECU offer a range of financial aid options, including grants, loans, and scholarships. Eligibility for financial aid is typically based on financial need, while scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit, talent, or other criteria. It's recommended to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal and state aid.
How do the research opportunities compare between UNC Charlotte and ECU?

Both UNC Charlotte and ECU are research universities, but UNC Charlotte has a higher research classification. UNC Charlotte offers more research opportunities in areas like engineering, computer science, and data science, while ECU offers more research opportunities in health sciences and education. Students at both universities can participate in research projects with faculty members.

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