Overview
Enrollment
East Central University (ECU) is a public institution located in Ada, Oklahoma, approximately 85 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. The university, established in 1909 as East Central State Normal School, occupies a 135-acre campus featuring a mix of historic and modern buildings, with the administration building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ECU operates as a regional university within the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, primarily serving students from south-central Oklahoma. The university is known for its programs in education, nursing, and business, with the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business offering specialized concentrations in entrepreneurship and accounting. Most first-year students reside in one of the university's two main residence halls, while ECU's athletic teams, known as the Tigers, compete in NCAA Division II as members of the Great American Conference.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
ECU is rated within the lower 32% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 4 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for East Central University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#913 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#366 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#10 in Best Colleges in Oklahoma
#5 in Best Public Colleges in Oklahoma
#11 in Best Value Colleges in Oklahoma
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 935/1055 |
| ACT | 16/22 |
| GPA | 3.31 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $20 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Oklahoma Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,590 |
| Other Fees | $1,732 |
| Room and Board | $7,752 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,066 |
| Total One Year Cost | $21,440 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,590 |
| Other Fees | $1,732 |
| Room and Board | $7,752 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,066 |
| Total One Year Cost | $30,950 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Human Services | 14% |
| Health Professions | 13% |
| Business | 13% |
| Education | 11% |
| Biology | 7% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering ECU are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=207041 IPEDS survey data for East Central University.
Current students may use the East Central University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025