ECU has answered the call to serve North Carolina for nearly 120 years. Founded as a teachers college, today ECU is an R1 research institution, designating the highest level of research excellence. Opportunities for our 27,000 students are vast – from conducting research along the NC coast to studying in the hills of Tuscany; from cheering for the Pirates in exciting athletic competitions to performing in our acclaimed fine arts programs. ECU is committed to student success, serving the public, and leading regional transformation. These are not just slogans; they are at the core of the university’s mission. ECU’s motto is Servire, “to serve,” and its faculty, staff, and students live by this creed every day.

Visit Website Take a Virtual Tour

27K+

students enrolled, Fall 2025

#1

producer of health care professionals practicing in N.C.

#1

public university in N.C. for social mobility

Highlights

Academics

From nationally recognized programs in entrepreneurship, nursing, and education to a unique focus on undergraduate participation in hands-on research, ECU is preparing its students to make their mark. With 165 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, including tomorrow’s top careers, ECU can make your academic and career goals a reality.
Learn more about what ECU has to offer

Campus Life

Student success is baked into the mission — as shown by the broad array of programs, engagement opportunities, facilities, support services, and student life experiences designed to help you make the most of your time at ECU. More than 400 clubs and student organizations ensure that there are connections to be made for every Pirate.
Explore student life

Athletics

Pirates are getting it done on and off the field, court, and track, earning top marks in the classroom while proving there’s true meaning to the term Pirate Spirit. During almost every year in recent memory, Pirate sports teams have been nationally ranked, and Pirate athletes have been named to All-American teams and received national academic accolades.
Go Pirates