East Carolina University (ECU) is a public research university with large enrollment, situated in Greenville, North Carolina. It has an enrollment of around 28,700 students and ranks among the larger universities in the state. The admissions are fairly selective, having an acceptance rate of around 90%. Some of the most sought-after majors are Nursing, Business, Education, Engineering, and Liberal Arts & Humanities. Its graduation rate is about 67%, and its graduates have a median income of about INR 47,30,000 (equivalent to $56,700 median incomes ten years post-graduation).
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is a public research university located in Charlotte, North Carolina, the state's biggest city and financial center. It has around 30,300 students, which is marginally bigger than ECU. Admissions are slightly selective with an acceptance rate of around 80%. Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Psychology, and Health Professions are popular courses. The graduation rate is around 64%, and the median salary of UNC Charlotte graduates is around INR 51,00,000 (from $61,200 median earnings after ten years of graduation).
| East Carolina University | University of North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.1 Out of 10 | 4.1 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 1005 Center for World University Rankings 2025 # 195 US News 2024 # 1344 US News 2024 | # 601 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1001 QS World University 2026 # 601 Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 714 for Engineering by Round University Ranking 2020 # 701 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 | # 149 for Engineering by US News 2025 # 701 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 201 for Law by Academy Ranking of World Universities 2021 |
| Programs | UG Programs -75 | UG Programs -138 PG Programs -38 |
| Acceptance Rate | 90.0 % | 80.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6 SAT-1030 TOEFL-71 | Duolingo-115 IELTS-6.5 SAT-1110 TOEFL-83 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 10495 [For UG Program] Hostel + Meal - 29441 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 18120 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 26400 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 12896 Per Year |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.7/10 Read 3 reviews | 6.6/10 Read 12 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 801 for Accounting by Times Higher Education 2019 | # 601 for Accounting by Times Higher Education 2023 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6.0/9PTE - 65/90TOEFL - 71/120 | Duolingo - 105/160IELTS - 6/9PTE - 48/90TOEFL - 70/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -10495 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -18120 |
| application dates | Apr 1, 2024 (Priority Application Deadline For 2024 Intake) | Nov 1, 2023 (Application Deadline for 2024 Intake Round 1) Jan 30, 2024 (Application Decision Deadline For Round 1) Feb 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For 2024 Intake Round 2) Apr 1, 2024 (Application Decision Deadline For Round 2) |
| General Facts | East Carolina University | University of North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1946 | |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 21:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 43% Male, 57% Female | 53% Male, 47% Female |
| Hostel | #Off campus (with family) - $9771 #On campus - $9835 #Off campus (not with family) - $9835 | #Housing - $9000 |
| Weather |
East Carolina University vs University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
East Carolina University (ECU), a public research university situated in Greenville, North Carolina, is placed in the 1000+ category globally (QS 2026). It is especially famous for health sciences, nursing, medical school, business, and education. Brody School of Medicine is especially recognized for primary care.
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte), another public research university, ranks at around 1001-1200 globally (QS 2026). It is very well ranked in engineering, business, data science, computing, and architecture, and appreciates having a presence in Charlotte, a major finance hub.
General Information
ECU has a total enrollment of around 28,000 students, of which around 2,000 are international students, and provides over 200 degree options. It is regionally focused on health care, education, and public service.UNC Charlotte has approximately 30,000 students, including around 3,500 from abroad, and provides more than 170 programs. Its urban location provides strong connections to industry, especially in finance, banking, and technology.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
ECU Approximately 90% acceptance rate, so widely available but still competitive for nursing and medicine programs.UNC Charlotte Around 80% acceptance rate, moderately selective with higher competition in computer science, engineering, and business programs.
Research Impact & Facilities
ECU is an R2 research university with considerable research in medicine, public health, coastal sciences, and education. It has the unique recognition of being the only North Carolina university with a specific mission to prepare physicians for rural and underserved communities.UNC Charlotte is similarly an R2 research university, with focus on research centers in data science, urban studies, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Being based in Charlotte provides it with greater connections with Fortune 500 companies and financial institutions.
Cost & Financial Aid
ECU: Out-of-state and international student fees are around $23,000–$25,000 per year. ECU offers merit and need-based scholarships and special international student awards.UNC Charlotte: Out-of-state and international student fees are around $24,000–$27,000 per year. It has a number of types of scholarships, assistantships, and financial assistance.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
ECU alumni are well represented in public service, healthcare, education, and business and have a strong network of alumni in the state of North Carolina. Allied health, nursing, and medical professions are high-achieving career fields.
UNC Charlotte alumni capitalize on the city's ranking as the second-largest banking center in the nation, with strong job placement in financial services, technology, engineering, and data analysis. Alumni are well networked with regional industries, giving them a competitive edge in their careers.
