ECSU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at ECSU is 76.8%.  Its admission rate is the 28th lowest in North Carolina.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into ECSU and can you get accepted?

Elizabeth City State University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 2,590 out of the 3,373 who applied were admitted.

The school has extremely easy admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 82 percent on standardized admission tests. Elizabeth City State University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.16. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the lower half of their high school class. 13% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into ECSU?

77% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Elizabeth City State University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.16 or better
• Earn B grades in high school
• Score 970 on the SAT
• Score 17 on the ACT

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Elizabeth City State University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into ECSU are to have around a 3.16 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.16 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as ECSU accepts 77% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at ECSU is 3.16 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #35 in North Carolina for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since ECSU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Test Optional

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Elizabeth City State University. If you submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 9% of students submitted SAT scores and 21% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Elizabeth City State University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at ECSU is 970 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 860-1070. Students who get into Elizabeth City State University score in the top 83 percent of all SAT test takers..  ECSU ranks #37 in the state of North Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 970 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. ECSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 860 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 860, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 750, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Elizabeth City State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "considered but not required".

View other colleges which accept students in the 970 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 965, you have around a 77% chance of being admitted. A 1070 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 86% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into ECSU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to ECSU is 17, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 15 and 19.  The school ranks #38 in North Carolina for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 17. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 15 and score in the score in the top 81 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 13.

21 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Elizabeth City State University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Elizabeth City State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "considered but not required".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into ECSU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 17 score has around 77% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 86% with a 19 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

67% of Elizabeth City State University freshman are in the lower half of their high school graduating class.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Elizabeth City State University is $30.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Elizabeth City State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Elizabeth City State University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.16 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 970 and ACT of 17 will almost guarantee your admission.