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Catawba College vs Elizabeth City State University

Catawba College is a private college in Salisbury, NC, and Elizabeth City State University is a public university in Elizabeth City, NC. Elizabeth City State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 64% of applicants against 75% at Catawba College. Elizabeth City State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $6,364 a year against $17,879 at Catawba College. About 50% of students graduate at Catawba College, compared with 46% at Elizabeth City State University. Ten years after enrolling, Catawba College alumni earn a median of about $48,793, against $40,026 for Elizabeth City State University.

Catawba College

Salisbury, NC · Private

Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Salisbury, NC
Elizabeth City, NC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,235
1,975
Acceptance rate
75%
64%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.41–3.91
3.39–3.89
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1300
920–1080
ACT (middle 50%)
17–25
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$17,879
$6,364
Full cost / yr
$49,516
$17,701
In-state tuition
$34,300
$6,536
Out-of-state tuition
$34,300
$10,536
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,618
$4,246
$30k - $48k
$17,495
$4,538
$48k - $75k
$15,412
$5,354
$75k - $110k
$17,440
$10,205
Over $110k
$24,420
$15,663
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
46%
Freshman retention
77%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$36,912
$33,776
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,793
$40,026
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$21,463
Student body
Pell grant recipients
41%
54%
First-generation students
30%
37%
International students
7%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Jun 30

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Catawba College or Elizabeth City State University harder to get into?
Elizabeth City State University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 75% at Catawba College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Catawba College or Elizabeth City State University?
Elizabeth City State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $6,364 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $17,879 at Catawba College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Catawba College and Elizabeth City State University?
Before aid, Elizabeth City State University costs about $17,701 a year and Catawba College about $49,516. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Catawba College or Elizabeth City State University?
Elizabeth City State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,246 there, against about $13,618 at Catawba College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Catawba College or Elizabeth City State University?
Elizabeth City State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,975 undergraduates against 1,235 at Catawba College.
Does Catawba College or Elizabeth City State University have a better graduation rate?
Catawba College has the higher graduation rate, at about 50% against 46% at Elizabeth City State University.
Do graduates of Catawba College or Elizabeth City State University earn more?
Catawba College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,793 ten years after enrolling, against about $40,026 for Elizabeth City State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Catawba College and Elizabeth City State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Catawba College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Elizabeth City State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Catawba College and Elizabeth City State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1300 at Catawba College and 920–1080 at Elizabeth City State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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