Prospective Students

Interested in applying? Let’s get started!

If you have any questions about the requirements or processes listed below, please contact us. We’re here to support you on your academic journey.

Everything about our campus community is built to help you succeed, from our nurturing environment to the unique hands-on learning opportunities you’ll find here. Our students, faculty and staff are an empowering force, eager to support their peers or lead the way for others to follow.

How to Apply

1. Meet the minimum admissions requirements

If you graduated high school after 1990, you must have completed the following high school courses and meet the academic performance thresholds below.

Minimum Course Requirements

• English: four course units emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature.
• Mathematics: four course units in any of the following combinations:
  • Algebra I, algebra II, geometry, and one unit beyond algebra II; or
  • Algebra I, algebra II, and two units beyond algebra II; or
  • Common core math I, II, and III, and one unit beyond common core math III; or
  • Integrated math I, II, III, and one unit beyond integrated math III; or
  • NC Math 1, 2, 3, and one unit beyond NC Math 3 identified as meeting the 4th level mathematics requirement for admission to UNC System institutions.
  • One life science unit (e.g., biology, ecology, zoology); and
  • One non-life science unit (e.g., astronomy, chemistry, earth science, environmental science, physical science, physics); and
  • One laboratory science unit.

  Minimum Academic Requirements

  For students entering in the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semesters:

  1. High School GPA: A minimum weighted GPA of 2.5; or
  2. Standardized Test Scores: Students are not required to submit a standardized test score. If a student does not meet the minimum High School GPA requirement, they may gain admission eligibility with a composite ACT score of 19, or combined SAT (mathematics and evidence-based reading and writing) of 1010.

  For students entering in the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 semesters:

  1. High School GPA: A minimum weighted GPA of 2.5.
  2. Standardized Test Scores: Students with a weighted high school GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 and less than 2.80 are required to submit a standardized test score (ACT or SAT).

  Note: The University of North Carolina System will not require SAT or ACT scores for undergraduate admissions through fall 2024.

  Graduates of Cooperative Innovative High Schools in North Carolina | If you graduated from a Cooperative Innovative (or Early College) High School in North Carolina with an Associate’s degree, you are likely eligible to be admitted either as a freshman or a transfer student. Please consult the resources below to determine your eligibility. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office with any questions.

  ECSU will offer first-time (freshman) admission to students attending the residential program at North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Your offer of admission will be contingent upon:

  1. You complete all NCSSM graduation requirements and;
  2. Remain enrolled and in good standing at NCSSM through graduation. “In good standing” means no pending disciplinary charges or pending academic violations that could lead to dismissal as of the date of graduation.
  3. You meet ECSU admission requirements.

  2. Submit an online application

  A complete application for freshman admission includes:

  Completed online application or via CommonApp.org or CFNC.org or commonblackcollegeapp.com.

  Apply online and submit a $30 non-refundable application fee.

  We offer rolling admission, so as soon as your application is complete we will review your credentials and get a decision to you.

  We do encourage you to apply early for priority consideration for available scholarships.

  3. Send transcripts and test scores

  Have official copies of all high school transcripts sent to:

  Elizabeth City State University

  Office of Admissions and Recruitment
  Welcome Center
  1704 Weeksville Rd.
  Campus Box 901
  Elizabeth City, NC 27909

  Test scores can be sent using the following school codes:
  ACT: 3095
  College Board/SAT: 5629

  Standardized test scores are optional, however, may be submitted for consideration

  4. Create an Admissions Portal account

  ECSU will send you an email with a verification link to create your Viking Admissions Portal account. You can use this to follow the status of your application and, if accepted, confirm your enrollment at ECSU.

  Please note: If you apply via the Common App, or the Common Black College App (CBCA) or the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC.org), you still need to set up an Admission Portal account.

  Graduate Student Admissions

  1. Meet the minimum admissions requirements

  Prospective graduate students must meet the following criteria for admission.

  • Completed Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
  • Minimum, overall undergraduate GPA: 2.5 OR 3.0 for last 60 credit hours of study

  2. Submit an online application

  Complete the graduate student online application and pay a $30 non-refundable application fee.

  3. Submit two copies of official transcripts

  Send transcripts to:

  Elizabeth City State University
  Office of Admissions and Recruitment
  Welcome Center
  1704 Weeksville Rd.
  Campus Box 901
  Elizabeth City, NC 27909

  4. Include three recommendations

  Three (3) recommendations from people qualified to evaluate your ability to pursue graduate study in the program of choice.

  5. Submit GRE/MAT Scores (Optional)

  Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Miller Analogies Test (MAT) scores are recommended but not required for admission.

  6. TOEFL or IELTS Scores (For International Students)

  Student applying from other countries or whose native language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores to be considered for admission. Visit the International Students page for more information.

  7. Complete other forms, as applicable

  Financial Guarantee Form
  NC Residency Form

  8. Complete Health Form (required)

  Submit a completed health form via the Admissions Portal.

  Paying for College

  We want you to have clear picture of what school will cost before you apply. View a full breakdown of estimated tuition & fees for first-year and graduate students.