Home - East Carolina University

Student concentrates while moving a chess piece across a board, with bookshelves in the background.

Make your next move at ECU

Immerse yourself in a vibrant and academically rigorous community built around twelve colleges and schools, including eight that offer undergraduate degree programs.

Close-up of a student sketching the East Carolina University cupola in a spiral notebook outdoors.

Find your passion

Still deciding on a major? Explore degrees offered at ECU.

East Carolina University researchers wearing life jackets ride in a small boat near a coastal bridge during fieldwork.

Chart your course

With more than 170 degree options, ECU offers opportunities for every interest. Apply now to claim your treasure.

An East Carolina University researcher works with laboratory equipment and pipettes while conducting scientific testing.

Elite Research Institution

ECU is an R1 research institution, a designation given to the top research universities in the U.S.

Commencement speaker Kevin Williamson encourages ECU graduates to face fear, write their own unique story.

A man in a suit with a gold tie sits on a brick wall outdoors, smiling as he talks with two college-aged students. The students—a young man in a blue T-shirt and shorts and a young woman in a purple T-shirt—sit on either side of him, engaged in the conversation. Behind them, bright pink flowers and greenery create a vibrant campus setting, suggesting a relaxed, friendly moment of connection or mentorship.

Chancellor Philip Rogers announces next steps to reach a goal of 300 endowed recruitment scholarships.

A group of East Carolina University award recipients pose indoors, holding framed certificates while standing and sitting around a purple couch, smiling during a recognition event.

More than 130 faculty, staff and students who embody ECU’s motto, Servire, were honored during the University Awards for Service ceremony.

Four women are in a group hug, smiling broadly.

Purple and gold run deep for one ECU family celebrating spring commencement.

A graduate from East Carolina University’s Class of 2026 sits on brick steps in front of a campus building, wearing a black cap and gown with honor cords and a white stole, smiling confidently outdoors.

The ECU Class of 2026 is ready to advance by doing and answer the call to serve others.

Explore ECU through the lenses of our university’s photographers.

Virtual Tour Schedule a visit

Three students sit in a ballroom setting smiling and holding up pirate hooks with their hands.

Students play volleyball outdoors, jumping at the net to block and spike the ball on ECU's campus.

Two dancers perform on stage in coordinated costumes, holding an extended pose under stage lighting.

ECU photo gallery

ECU at a glance

Take a quick, by-the-numbers look at our university.

Discover More

26,000+

students

Become a Pirate

425+

student organizations

Get Involved

university

Top-Tier Research

Aug

Faculty Convocation

9:00 am to 10:00 am

Aug

Fall 2026 Census Day

12:00 am to 5:00 pm

Picture Yourself as a Pirate

eastcarolinauniv

View Instagram post by eastcarolinauniv

May 9

Open post by eastcarolinauniv with ID 18009016286897312

eastcarolinauniv

View Instagram post by eastcarolinauniv

May 8

Open post by eastcarolinauniv with ID 17894579709461667

eastcarolinauniv

View Instagram post by eastcarolinauniv

May 8

Open post by eastcarolinauniv with ID 18580696957049859

Congratulations, #ECU26! Greenville native @mrbeast has a few words for #ARRRGH graduating class as they set the course for what’s next. 🏴‍☠️

eastcarolinauniv

View Instagram post by eastcarolinauniv

May 7

Open post by eastcarolinauniv with ID 18070324088669173

For the advocates. ⚖️

What started as a personal mission for Taylor Hodges ultimately turned into a professional passion, guiding her to build a career focused on advocating for others.

"Coming from a divorced family myself, I developed an early awareness of how family dynamics can influence emotional development and mental health," she said.

Throughout her time at ECU, Hodges developed the skills to prepare her for her next steps as a law student and future attorney. She credits her professors and advisors for their support.

"My professors and advisors have provided me with the tools and support needed to succeed. I am truly grateful for their guidance, resources and confidence in me."

This fall, she will begin an accelerated program at Elon University School of Law, where she plans to build a career advocating for children and adults navigating custody and divorce.

📸: Victoria Anne Photography

eastcarolinauniv

View Instagram post by eastcarolinauniv

May 6

Open post by eastcarolinauniv with ID 18393069271084306

For the ones who make the most of every moment. 📊

Nicole Cerezo Santana accelerated her path at #ECU, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management with a certificate in data analytics in just three years while serving as president of ECU’s chapter of the American Marketing Association. She continued her journey through the immersive MBA program, building real-world experience through study abroad, competitions and industry connections.

“None of these opportunities would have been possible without ECU and the incredible support from the College of Business,” she said.

From studying abroad in Australia to leading on campus, her journey reflects the power of making the most of every opportunity.

📸: Jules Rowe

eastcarolinauniv

View Instagram post by eastcarolinauniv

May 5

Open post by eastcarolinauniv with ID 17887194207507747

For the resilient. 💻

After moving to the United States, Erick Villatoro, a first-generation college student, was looking for a university that would not only challenge him but also set him up for success. As a transfer student, he found both at #ECU.

"I wanted a degree that would truly challenge me," he said, adding that "ECU has been instrumental in my development."

After transferring to ECU and changing majors, he found his place in the information and cybersecurity technology program. His involvement across campus set him up for success, including founding a chapter of the student organization — the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) at ECU.

"East Carolina University allowed me to grow both professionally and personally, providing me with the leadership experience necessary to transition confidently into the workforce," he said.

Villatoro will move to Charlotte, NC, to begin a full-time IT position, carrying with him the resilience and community he built throughout his time as a #Pirate.

📸: Yareli G. Photography

eastcarolinauniv

View Instagram post by eastcarolinauniv

May 2

Open post by eastcarolinauniv with ID 18580305043037108

For the ones who rise to the challenge. 🩺

Morgan Eisenzimmer turned uncertainty into purpose, discovering her passion for nursing after exploring occupation options in healthcare. While at ECU, she built a strong foundation through hands-on clinical experiences, study abroad opportunities and leadership roles that have prepared her for her career.

“ECU has prepared me for my next steps by providing me with a strong academic foundation, hands-on clinical experiences, and meaningful professional opportunities,” she said.

From growing up cheering in the stands of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium to stepping into her role as a registered nurse at @ecuhealthnc, her journey reflects the power of finding your place.

📸: Alyssa Grace Photography

eastcarolinauniv

View Instagram post by eastcarolinauniv

Apr 30

Open post by eastcarolinauniv with ID 17967667559905216