East Central University vs USC Upstate

East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, and University of South Carolina-Upstate in Spartanburg, South Carolina, are two distinct institutions of higher learning with unique characteristics. East Central University, with an acceptance rate of 100%, welcomes a diverse student body, while University of South Carolina-Upstate, with a more selective admissions process (68% acceptance rate), attracts a slightly larger student population. Both universities offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including Business, Education, and Nursing. While East Central University boasts a higher graduation rate (58%) compared to University of South Carolina-Upstate (48%), both institutions provide ample opportunities for academic success and personal growth. Explore the detailed comparison table below to discover more about these universities and make an informed decision about your educational journey.
East Central University logo

East Central University

University of South Carolina-Upstate logo

University of South Carolina-Upstate

Overview

Location Ada, Oklahoma Spartanburg, South Carolina
Campus setting Town: Remote Suburb: Midsize
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Public Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 57.0% 61.0%
Common app member Yes No
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 64.7% 75.7%
Application fees $20
Undergraduate: $45

Graduate: $45
SAT range 881 - 960 950 - 1150
ACT range 17 - 22 19 - 23
Students submitting SAT score 1.0% 26.0%
Students submitting ACT score 97.0% 19.0%
Total number of applicants 1,005 2,893
Total number of admissions given out 650 2,190
Admitted students who chose to enroll 438 597
Yield rate 67.4% 27.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Not required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Not required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price
In state: $26,877

Out of state: $36,237
In state: $28,648

Out of state: $39,610
Average net price $11,184 $14,816
Tuition
In state: $5,791

Out of state: $15,151
In state: $11,208

Out of state: $22,170
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $4,028

Meal plan: $3,612
Room/dormitory: $5,614

Meal plan: $3,714
Available payment plans
  • Guaranteed tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

75.0%
Average amount $5,623
96.0%
Average amount $8,974
Students receiving federal student loan 27.0%
Average amount $4,799
62.0%
Average amount $5,480
Students taking out private loans 2.0%
Average amount $9,117
4.0%
Average amount $8,248

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 2,706
Men 41.5% Women 58.5%
4,981
Men 32.7% Women 67.3%
Graduate students 644
Men 30.7% Women 69.3%
457
Men 13.6% Women 86.4%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 12.3% 8.2%
International students 0.5% 1.2%
Campus local/setting Town: Remote Suburb: Midsize
Dormitory capacity 1,320 1,055
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from Oklahoma Texas Arkansas Florida Kansas South Carolina Georgia North Carolina Florida Texas

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Education
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Health Professions
  • Public Administration and Social Service
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
  • Psychology
Students to faculty ratio 17:1 15:1
Institutional accreditation Higher Learning Commission Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 30.9% 47.4%
Dropout rate 48.2% 19.2%
Transferred out 19.0% 31.9%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,379
  • Year 2: $60,024
  • Year 3: $63,931
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,976
  • Year 2: $44,875
  • Year 3: $49,439
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $43,798
  • Year 3: $48,348
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,022
  • Year 2: $41,342
  • Year 3: $45,312
Mathematics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,980
  • Year 3: $40,375
Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $35,772
  • Year 3: $39,070
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,762
  • Year 2: $33,281
  • Year 3: $38,571
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,094
  • Year 2: $32,770
  • Year 3: $38,377
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $37,208
  • Year 3: $38,339
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,120
  • Year 2: $28,055
  • Year 3: $36,039
Engineering-Related Fields (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $60,614
  • Year 2: $59,124
  • Year 3: $70,562
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $61,719
  • Year 2: $57,512
  • Year 3: $60,107
Information Science/Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,885
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: $52,577
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,033
  • Year 2: $45,500
  • Year 3: $50,407
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,902
  • Year 2: $37,088
  • Year 3: $43,565
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $28,960
  • Year 3: $37,957
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,958
  • Year 2: $32,439
  • Year 3: $37,264
History (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $21,254
  • Year 2: $32,284
  • Year 3: $37,102
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $32,772
  • Year 3: $35,463
Fine and Studio Arts (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,350
  • Year 2: $23,649
  • Year 3: $33,671

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the main differences between East Central University (ECU) and the University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate)?

    East Central University (ECU) is a public university located in Ada, Oklahoma, known for its smaller size and focus on undergraduate education, particularly in teacher education and Native American studies. The University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate), located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a larger public university that is part of the University of South Carolina system. USC Upstate offers a broader range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a stronger emphasis on business, nursing, and pre-professional programs. ECU generally has a lower cost of attendance, while USC Upstate offers a wider array of resources and research opportunities.

  • Which university, ECU or USC Upstate, is larger?

    The University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) is the larger institution. It generally has a higher student enrollment compared to East Central University (ECU).

  • Where are East Central University and the University of South Carolina-Upstate located?

    East Central University (ECU) is located in Ada, Oklahoma. The University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

  • How do the tuition costs compare between ECU and USC Upstate?

    Generally, East Central University (ECU) has a lower tuition cost, especially for in-state students, compared to the University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate). However, tuition rates can vary depending on residency status and the specific program. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition information.

  • What academic programs are East Central University and the University of South Carolina-Upstate known for?

    East Central University (ECU) is well-regarded for its teacher education programs and its Native American studies programs. The University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) is known for its programs in business, nursing, and pre-professional fields such as pre-med and pre-law.

  • What is the campus environment like at ECU versus USC Upstate?

    East Central University (ECU) offers a smaller, more close-knit campus environment typical of a smaller university town. The University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate), being a larger institution in a more metropolitan area, offers a more diverse and active campus life with a wider range of student organizations and activities.

  • Do ECU and USC Upstate offer on-campus housing?

    Yes, both East Central University (ECU) and the University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) offer on-campus housing options for students. You can find more details about residence halls, amenities, and application processes on their respective websites.

  • What types of student activities and organizations are available at each university?

    Both East Central University (ECU) and the University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) offer a variety of student activities and organizations. USC Upstate, being larger, generally has a broader selection, including fraternities and sororities, various clubs, and intramural sports. ECU also offers a range of clubs and organizations, with a focus on activities that cater to its student body and regional interests.

  • How do the admission requirements compare between ECU and USC Upstate?

    Admission requirements vary depending on the program and the applicant's academic background. Generally, both East Central University (ECU) and the University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) require a high school diploma or equivalent, along with standardized test scores (ACT or SAT) and transcripts. However, specific score requirements and GPA expectations may differ. Check each university's admissions website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

  • Which university is a better fit for me?

    The best university for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a smaller, more affordable university with a strong focus on teacher education or Native American studies, East Central University (ECU) might be a good fit. If you prefer a larger university with a wider range of programs, particularly in business, nursing, or pre-professional fields, and a more diverse campus environment, the University of South Carolina-Upstate (USC Upstate) could be a better choice. Consider your academic interests, budget, desired campus environment, and career goals when making your decision.

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