When choosing a college or university, it’s essential to consider various factors such as location, size, academic programs, and campus life. In this article, we will compare two popular universities: East Carolina University (ECU) and Virginia Tech. This comparison will help you understand the differences and similarities between these schools, which will assist you in making an informed decision.
East Carolina University (ECU) Overview
East Carolina University, located in Greenville, North Carolina, is a public research university founded in 1907. The school offers various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across its 12 schools and colleges. ECU is known for its strong commitment to research, student success, and regional transformation.
ECU Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at ECU is around $24,000 per year, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. For out-of-state students, the cost is approximately $38,000 per year.
ECU Admissions
East Carolina University has an acceptance rate of about 79%. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 3.5, and the average SAT score is around 1140.
ECU Degrees Offered
ECU offers over 100 undergraduate programs, 85 master’s programs, 21 doctoral programs, and 62 certificates in various fields. Some of its popular majors include Business, Education, Health Professions, and Engineering.
ECU Academics
The university prides itself on its commitment to research and academic excellence. It maintains a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors.
ECU Diversity
ECU has a diverse student body, with students from various ethnic, cultural, and international backgrounds. It continually works to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
ECU Students
East Carolina University has an enrollment of over 28,000 students, including around 23,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students.
ECU Campus
The ECU campus spans around 530 acres, featuring modern facilities, green spaces, and various dining and housing options. Students can participate in over 300 clubs and organizations.
ECU Alumni
ECU has a strong alumni network, with graduates excelling in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, and technology. Notable alumni include actress Sandra Bullock and former NFL player Chris Johnson.
ECU Rankings
East Carolina University is ranked #228 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
ECU Outcomes
The average starting salary for ECU graduates is around $42,000 per year. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of 63%.
Virginia Tech Overview
Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, Virginia Tech is a public research university founded in 1872. It is known for its strong focus on engineering, technology, and research. The university offers various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its nine colleges.
Virginia Tech Costs & Tuition
The estimated cost of attendance for in-state students at Virginia Tech is around $33,000 per year, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. For out-of-state students, the cost is approximately $54,000 per year.
Virginia Tech Admissions
Virginia Tech has an acceptance rate of about 70%. The average high school GPA of incoming freshmen is 4.04, and the average SAT score is around 1280.
Virginia Tech Degrees Offered
The university offers over 110 undergraduate majors, 170 master’s and doctoral programs, and 100+ certificate programs. Popular majors at Virginia Tech include Engineering, Business, and Agriculture.
Virginia Tech Academics
Virginia Tech has a strong commitment to research and academic excellence, with a student-faculty ratio of 16:1.
Virginia Tech Diversity
The university is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion on campus and has several initiatives to support students from various backgrounds.
Virginia Tech Students
Virginia Tech has an enrollment of over 36,000 students, including approximately 29,000 undergraduates and 7,000 graduate students.
Virginia Tech Campus
The campus covers around 2,600 acres, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, green spaces, and a variety of housing and dining options. Students can participate in over 900 clubs and organizations.
Virginia Tech Alumni
Notable alumni from Virginia Tech include former NFL player Michael Vick and astronaut Charles F. Bolden Jr.
Virginia Tech Rankings
Virginia Tech is ranked #74 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
Virginia Tech Outcome
The average starting salary for Virginia Tech graduates is around $62,000 per year. The university reports a six-year graduation rate of 84%.
East Carolina University vs Virginia Tech Cost Comparison
Though the cost of attendance for in-state students is slightly lower at ECU ($24,000) compared to Virginia Tech ($33,000), out-of-state students will find a more significant difference in costs, with ECU costing around $38,000 and Virginia Tech costing approximately $54,000 per year.
East Carolina University vs Virginia Tech Admissions Difficulty
Virginia Tech has a slightly more competitive admissions process, with a 70% acceptance rate compared to ECU’s 79%. Virginia Tech also has higher average GPA and SAT scores for incoming students.
East Carolina University vs Virginia Tech Academic Difficulty
Both universities are committed to academic excellence and have similar student-faculty ratios (ECU: 18:1, Virginia Tech: 16:1). However, Virginia Tech is generally considered more research-oriented and has higher national rankings.
East Carolina University vs Virginia Tech Outcome Comparison
Virginia Tech graduates have a higher average starting salary ($62,000) compared to ECU graduates ($42,000), and a higher six-year graduation rate (84% vs. 63%). This data suggests that students may have better outcomes after attending Virginia Tech.
