East Carolina University Scholarships (2026–27)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Flagship (competitive) and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~89%
- Middle 50% ACT: 19–25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1060–1220
- Average GPA (HS): ~3.7–3.8 (weighted median)
Source: ECU Common Data Set (Fall 2024 data) & Admissions counselor page. Middle 50% = range where half of admits fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
East Carolina (ECU) at a Glance
FAQ
Is this college test-optional for fall 2026?
Yes. East Carolina University is test-optional for students with a weighted high school GPA of 2.8 or higher. Students below that must submit test scores. ECU does not publish a formal ACT/SAT superscore policy, but admissions and scholarship review consider the highest section scores submitted.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT?
19–25 ACT / 1060–1220 SAT. Source: ECU Common Data Set 2024–25, Admissions Snapshot.
What’s the average net price?
$14,470 (NCES/IPEDS). Reminder: net price varies by family income level; see our Net Price & SAI guide.
Does this school use reciprocity or OOS waivers?
No. North Carolina does not participate in the Academic Common Market, WUE, MSEP, or NEBHE undergraduate tuition reciprocity programs.
https://admissions.ecu.edu/
https://admissions.ecu.edu/freshmen/
https://financialaid.ecu.edu/scholarships/
https://honors.ecu.edu/brinkley-lane-scholars/
https://institutionalplanning.ecu.edu/common-data-set/
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198464-East-Carolina-University
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=east+carolina+university
https://scholarships.ecu.edu/ecu-scholarships/overview/
https://ecu.academicworks.com
https://collegereadyparent.org/east-carolina-university-scholarships/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/east-carolina-university/admissions
https://news.ecu.edu/scholars/
https://brinkleylane.ecu.edu
https://financialaid.ecu.edu/estimated-cost-of-attendance-coa/
💰 Cost of Attendance at East Carolina University (2025–2026)
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $7,438 | $23,715 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,003 | $12,003 |
| Total (Estimated) | $19,441 | $35,718 |
These figures include only direct university costs — tuition, fees, and housing & meals. ECU also estimates books, transportation, and personal expenses, but those vary widely by student. The totals here reflect what most families actually pay to the university before financial aid and scholarships.
FAQ — Understanding ECU’s Costs
What’s included in the totals shown above?
Only direct, billed costs to ECU: tuition and mandatory fees, plus standard on-campus housing and a typical meal plan. These are the big line items most families actually pay to the university.
What isn’t included?
Books/supplies, transportation, and personal expenses vary by student and are not billed by ECU in a fixed amount. That’s why we keep them out of the table, but your final budget should account for them.
Why is the “Average Net Price” lower than the sticker price?
Net price reflects what families paid on average after grants and scholarships (no loans). Your student’s net price depends on family finances and merit results; use the net price as a directional benchmark, not a guarantee.
Do residence hall or meal plan choices change the total?
Yes. Room type and meal plan can shift housing/food costs up or down. The figures shown use a common first-year configuration; apartment-style housing or premium plans will cost more.
Can an out-of-state student get down near in-state costs?
It’s possible but not automatic. Competitive merit can substantially reduce nonresident tuition. The more selective awards typically go to students with strong academics and impact.
Will these numbers change next year?
They can. Tuition/fee rates and housing/meal pricing are approved annually. Always verify the latest figures before making a final decision.
Is there a payment plan?
ECU offers term-based payment options for billed charges. Plans reduce large lump-sum payments into installments; setup deadlines apply each term.
https://admissions.ecu.edu/afford/tuition-fees/
https://financialaid.ecu.edu/estimated-cost-of-attendance-coa/
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/colleges/east-carolina-university/tuition-and-costs
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198464-East-Carolina-University
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
Unlike many public universities, East Carolina does not publish fixed GPA/test score charts for guaranteed scholarships. Instead, students are matched to a wide range of awards inside ECUAward. This means there are no guaranteed “automatic” scholarships based only on admission and test scores.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECUAward General Merit Pool | Typically $1,000–$5,000/year | Holistic review of GPA, test scores (if submitted), extracurriculars, and essays | Yes — ECUAward portal | Most are renewable with GPA 3.0+ | Students with above-average academics (3.7+ weighted, ACT 26+/SAT 1230+) and strong activities essays | Dec 15 (priority) |
Note: ECU merit aid is competitive inside the ECUAward portal. There are no published “automatic” cutoffs — awards depend on the applicant pool and funding. High-achieving students may receive multiple awards that stack.
Automatic Scholarships at ECU — FAQ
Do we have to submit test scores?
ECU is test-optional for admission. However, test scores can strengthen scholarship applications in ECUAward, especially for students near GPA minimums.
Is the GPA weighted or unweighted?
ECU reviews the weighted GPA reported on the transcript for scholarship purposes.
Can these stack with other awards?
Yes — ECUAward scholarships can often be combined with state grants, departmental awards, or competitive programs, up to the total cost of attendance.
https://scholarships.ecu.edu/ecu-scholarships/overview/
https://ecu.academicworks.com/
https://financialaid.ecu.edu/undergraduate/entering-freshman/
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive scholarships)
Recipients generally show:
- GPA: unweighted ~3.8–4.0 (weighted ~4.3+)
- Test Scores (if submitted): ACT 29–32 / SAT 1330–1450
- Class Rank: top 10–15%
- Activities: sustained leadership, service, and standout essays/interviews
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Fellows | Full in-state tuition + fees | High academic achievement; leadership; ECU admission required | Yes — ECUAWard application | Yes — maintain GPA 3.0+ | Typically students with ~3.8+ GPAs, strong ACT/SAT (if submitted), and major leadership/service | Jan 15 (ECUAWard) |
Note: ECU’s most prestigious award — the Brinkley-Lane Scholars Program — is a full ride tied to the Honors College. It requires ECU admission by Oct 15 and an Honors application by Dec 2. See the Honors College section for details.
Flagship Scholarships — FAQ
When is the Chancellor’s Fellows deadline?
The ECUAWard application closes on Jan 15. Students must also have their ECU admission completed by Dec 15 to be eligible.
Is the Brinkley-Lane full ride considered here?
It’s ECU’s premier award, but because it’s tied to the Honors College, we cover it in the Honors section. Families should treat the Oct 15/Dec 2 deadlines as hard cutoffs.
What strengthens a flagship application?
Standout essays, polished recommendations, and evidence of impact beyond grades. Use our Essay Toolkit, Brag Sheet Builder, and Reference Request Kit to prepare.
https://scholarships.ecu.edu/chancellors-fellows/
https://brinkleylane.ecu.edu/about-the-award/
https://honors.ecu.edu/brinkley-lane/
https://brinkleylane.ecu.edu/application-process/
https://scholarships.ecu.edu/ecu-scholarships/overview/
🎓 Honors College at East Carolina University
- GPA: Usually 3.8–4.0 unweighted in rigorous coursework (AP, IB, or dual enrollment).
- Test Scores (if submitted): ACT 28–33 or SAT 1300–1450.
- Activities: Documented leadership (club officer, team captain, program founder), community service, or significant research/creative work.
- Essays & Interviews: Reflective, specific answers that show intellectual curiosity and a record of impact.
The Honors College at ECU offers a tight-knit academic community within the larger university, along with unique opportunities that can significantly shape a student’s college experience.
Honors College Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brinkley-Lane Scholars (Honors flagship) | Full ride (tuition, fees, housing & meals) + $5,000 study-abroad stipend | Invite-only via Honors; outstanding academics, leadership, service; interview required | Yes — Honors supplemental application | Yes — maintain Honors standing | Top ~20 candidates/yr with near-perfect GPAs and significant leadership/impact | ECU app Oct 15; Honors app Dec 2 |
| Chancellor’s Fellows (Honors fellowships) | In-state tuition each year (≈ full in-state tuition for 8 semesters) | Admitted to Honors; strong academics & leadership | Yes — Honors supplemental application | Yes — maintain Honors standing | Honors admits with 3.8+ GPAs and robust leadership/service; test scores (if submitted) strengthen | ECU app Oct 15; Honors app Dec 2 |
Notes: ECU’s official Honors awards are named Brinkley-Lane Scholars (full ride) and Chancellor’s Fellows (value of in-state tuition). Some older/third-party materials refer to “Honors College Fellows” or list flat totals (e.g., “$15,000/4 yrs”); we aligned to ECU’s current naming and values. Deadlines confirmed by ECU: apply to ECU by October 15 to be eligible for Honors; complete the Honors application by December 2. Sources: Honors/Brinkley-Lane pages and ECU Admissions timeline.
Note: “Who Actually Wins?” reflects observed recipient patterns and ECU disclosures. These are not official cutoffs; actual award decisions vary each year depending on applicant strength and available funding.
Perks of Being in ECU’s Honors College
- Access to exclusive Honors courses with smaller class sizes and discussion-based learning.
- Priority registration for classes each semester.
- Specialized academic advising and mentorship.
- Opportunities for funded undergraduate research, travel, and internships.
- Automatic consideration for Honors College scholarships (separate from automatic merit awards).
- Dedicated Honors student organizations and leadership programs.
- Invitations to academic and cultural events, including networking receptions with faculty and alumni.
Honors College — FAQ
How many students are selected as Brinkley-Lane Scholars each year? ECU typically selects about 20 students annually for Brinkley-Lane, making it the most selective scholarship program at the university.
What are the exact deadlines to be eligible for Honors scholarships? Students must submit the ECU admission application by October 15 and the Honors College application by December 2 to be considered.
Are test scores required for Honors admission and scholarships? ECU is test-optional, but many successful Honors and Brinkley-Lane applicants submit strong scores (ACT 29+ or SAT 1330+). Scores can strengthen a file even if they aren’t required.
What does the $5,000 stipend in the Brinkley-Lane award cover? It is a dedicated fund for a study abroad experience that all Brinkley-Lane Scholars are expected to complete.
Where do Honors students live at ECU? First-year Honors students are required to live in Gateway Hall, a modern, suite-style residence hall that houses only Honors students to foster community.
Can Honors scholarships stack with other ECU or outside awards? Brinkley-Lane is a full ride and replaces other ECU aid packages, but students can still combine it with outside scholarships (private/community) up to the federal cost of attendance.
What kinds of students are most competitive for Honors scholarships? Those with near-perfect GPAs, rigorous high-school coursework, standout leadership roles, sustained service, and essays that show intellectual curiosity and impact.
https://brinkleylane.ecu.edu/about-the-award/
https://honors.ecu.edu/brinkley-lane/
https://brinkleylane.ecu.edu/application-process/
https://scholarships.ecu.edu/chancellors-fellows/
https://honors.ecu.edu/
🎯 What East Carolina University Is Known For
- Nursing & Health Sciences — ECU’s College of Nursing is one of the largest in the U.S. and consistently posts NCLEX pass rates above state and national averages. It is the #1 producer of nurses in North Carolina. Its Brody School of Medicine is nationally recognized for training primary-care physicians to serve rural and underserved areas (Top 10% nationally for graduates entering primary care).
- Coastal & Marine Science — ECU is home to the Integrated Coastal Programs and one of the Top 25 marine/coastal science research centers nationwide. Its location near the Outer Banks gives students direct access to fieldwork and nationally funded research projects.
- Business & Entrepreneurship — The College of Business is AACSB-accredited (Top 5% of business schools worldwide) and ranked among the Top 50 online MBA programs in the U.S. (U.S. News). ECU’s Miller School of Entrepreneurship is the first standalone entrepreneurship school in North Carolina.
- Teacher Education — ECU produces more licensed teachers for North Carolina public schools than any other university in the state — making it the #1 provider of educators in NC.
- Arts & Performance — The School of Music is ranked among the Top 40 public university music programs in the nation. Theatre and visual arts also receive statewide recognition, with performance and exhibition opportunities beginning freshman year.
- Engineering & Technology — ECU’s College of Engineering & Technology is one of the youngest accredited engineering colleges in the U.S. but already ranks in the Top 50 nationally for industrial technology programs (College Factual). Strengths include industrial and biomedical engineering.
- Public Service & Leadership — ECU is consistently ranked a Top 50 national university for ROTC/serving military-connected students and maintains one of the strongest public-service pipelines in North Carolina, with civic engagement woven into the curriculum.