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ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA | Private For-Profit | Community College

ECPI University has an acceptance rate of 74.5%, annual tuition of $18,484, average net price of $22,965, and a national rank of #1395 (Grade B-), with a 52.6% graduation rate, about 12,090 undergraduates, and median earnings of $54,409 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.

ECPI University is a private for-profit institution in Virginia Beach, VA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Computer Programming.

Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 56.5% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

EDsmart calculates return on investment at 50.1%. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

B-
Ranking
#1395 of 1,962
How We Rank Schools
At a Glance
Ranking
#1395 of 1,962 (Top 71.1%)
Tuition
$18,484
Net Price
$22,965
4-Year Tuition
$73,936
Acceptance Rate
74.5%
Transfer Rate
17.4%
Student Population
12,090
Student-Faculty
13:1
Graduation Rate
52.6%
Retention Rate
56.5%
4-Yr Earnings
$54,409
ROI
50.1%

Who is ECPI University Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#1395 of 1,962
Top 71.1% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
72.2 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.61 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
D
#1,498 of 1,962
Affordability
C
#590 of 1,962
Support
B-
#1,616 of 1,962
Career Outcomes
C
#1,259 of 1,962

ECPI University graduates 52.6% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 56.5% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

What does it cost?
Depends on income
$21,807-$28,701 annual net price based on family income.
What's the graduation rate?
Somewhat likely
52.6% earn an award within eight years of entry. 27.0% complete in four years (IPEDS 100% time).
What are job outcomes?
Highly likely
82.1% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings four years after graduation are $54,409. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use ECPI University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$120,220
$30,055 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$108,583
$22,965 × 4.7 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.7 years | 4-Year Rate: 27.0% | 6-Year Rate: 52.6%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 27.0% and six-year completion is 52.6%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$30,055
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$22,965
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $18,484
Books and Supplies Not reported
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $30,055

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
53.1%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 53.1% of ECPI University students receive Pell Grants — well above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,439/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $28,701/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
50.1%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $54,409
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $42,837
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.7 years
  • Average Student Debt $20,000
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 32.7%
  • Employment Rate 82.1%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for ECPI University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $54,409 four years after graduation — roughly 10% below the national median.
Payback Period
2.00 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

ECPI University vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how ECPI University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes ECPI University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: ECPI University graduates earn $54,409 median four years after graduation, -10% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
74.5%
Less Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 12,090
  • Full-Time Students 100.0%
  • Part-Time Students 0.0%
  • Retention Rate 56.5%
  • Graduation Rate 52.6%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1

How to Get Into ECPI University

1. Meet Academic Requirements: ECPI University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 74.5%, ECPI University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 74.5% acceptance rate, ECPI University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among ECPI University undergraduates. Computer/Information Technology Administration and, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.

  • Computer/Information Technology Administration and 27.6%
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 13.3%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 10.1%
  • Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians 9.4%
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 8.6%
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services 8.5%
See more majors
  • Computer Programming 7.3%
  • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians 4.5%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Associate Degree Programs

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $87,942
  • 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $76,712
  • 3. Computer Programming $76,225
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians $73,885
  • 5. Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians $69,652
  • 6. Management Information Systems and Services $68,521
  • 7. Computer and Information Sciences, General $67,368
  • 8. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $65,913
  • 9. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $65,479
  • 10. Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians $64,003

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $102,419
  • 2. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $84,614
  • 3. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (Master's Degree) $66,652
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $59,599

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $87,942—37% more than Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($64,003). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $102,419 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for ECPI University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma, 810 graduates)
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Associate's Degree, 520 graduates)
  • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degree, 504 graduates)
  • Culinary Arts and Related Services (Associate's Degree, 155 graduates)
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degree, 89 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
  • Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants
  • Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services
  • Culinary Arts and Related Services
  • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 12,090
  • Full-Time Students 100.0%
  • Part-Time Students 0.0%
  • Male Students 40.8%
  • Female Students 59.2%
  • Caucasian 31.2%
  • Asian 3.3%
  • Hispanic 15.8%
  • Black 41.0%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 53.1%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects ECPI University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of ECPI University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does ECPI University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
41.3%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
39.1%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
2.3 pts
excellent equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at ECPI University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

EDsmart Insight: ECPI University has a diverse student body, with 31.2% identifying as White. 53.1% of students receive Pell Grants, well above the national average, indicating strong support for low-income students.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does ECPI University support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
41.3%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
39.1%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
2.3 pts
excellent equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at ECPI University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

ECPI University ranks #1395 of 1962 institutions in our comprehensive analysis, achieving a B- overall grade with 50.1% ROI.

At $22,965 annually, the institution serves students seeking accessible higher education. Career outcomes and value metrics should be carefully compared against alternative institutions before enrolling.

EDsmart Assessment: ECPI University

B- grade | #1395 of 1962 | 72.2/100 on EDsmart's national index (0–100 vs. all ranked schools; not a raw point total)

Performance Overview: ECPI University's 50.1% return on investment and #1395 ranking reflect the institution's competitive position in the higher education landscape. The $22,965 annual cost should be carefully weighed against expected career outcomes.

Value Considerations: Prospective students should compare ECPI University's specific programs against alternatives, as institutional averages may not reflect individual program quality. Financial aid packages, program-specific outcomes, and career services vary significantly.

Decision Framework: Use ECPI University's B- grade and #1395 ranking as starting points, not final answers. Evaluate program-specific outcomes, campus visit impressions, financial aid offers, and career placement rates in your intended field before making enrollment decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • 52.6% graduation rate sits 9.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 56.5% first-year retention is 20.3 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
  • 50.1% return on investment is 0.2 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $54,409 run about 10% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
  • Average net price of $22,965 is roughly $2,886 higher than the national median of $20,079.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 56.5% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 82.1% employment rate within three years sits 13.9 points above national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $22,965 is about $2,886 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Located in Virginia Beach, VA, ECPI University operates as a private for-profit institution and receives a B- from EDsmart. It appears at #1395 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (D), Support (B-), Career Outcomes (C), and Affordability (C).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

56.5% of learners come back after year one while 52.6% earn an award within eight years of entry. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 50.1%, offering a quick value checkpoint.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $22,965 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $30,055.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $7,090 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $20,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 53.1% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $54,409 at the median. This is roughly 10% below typical U.S. college outcomes.

The three-year employment rate is close to 82.1%.

EDsmart lists the ROI at 50.1%, offering a quick read on value.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

74.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the ECPI University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
3.61 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how ECPI University stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit ECPI University Website →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is ECPI University's acceptance rate?

ECPI University's acceptance rate is 74.5%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.

How much does ECPI University cost?

At ECPI University, listed tuition and fees are $18,484 per year, and the average net price after aid is $22,965. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.

What is ECPI University's ranking?

ECPI University ranks #1395 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.

What is ECPI University's graduation rate?

At ECPI University, the graduation rate is 52.6%, and first-year retention is 56.5%.

What are ECPI University's job outcomes?

Graduates of ECPI University report median earnings of $54,409 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.

What is ECPI University's student population?

ECPI University enrolls about 12,090 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.

Contact Information

  • AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
  • Transfer Enrollment Rate17.4%

Data Source & Methodology â–¼