Elizabeth City State University
Reviews
Students appreciate the welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere, dedicated professors, and small class sizes that allow for personalized attention. The school is known for its solid aviation program and hands-on learning opportunities. Some students express a desire for improvements in campus life, such as more activities and better food options.
Contact & Hours
About Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, stands out as the only four-year collegiate aviation education program in the state offering a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation science. As one of the few Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) with an aviation program, ECSU provides an inclusive environment with excellent facilities and partnerships. The university is an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school, with flight operations based at Elizabeth City Regional Airport (KECG), conveniently located just 1.5 miles from the main campus. ECSU also has a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) to offer an accelerated 4+1 master's program in aviation, enabling students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science and a Master of Science in Aviation in just five years. The aviation program at ECSU offers a comprehensive education with various concentrations, including Avionics, Aviation Management, Flight Education, Professional Aeronautics/Air Traffic Control, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems. ECSU partners with United Airlines to provide students a direct path to airline careers through United's AVIATE Pilot Career Development Program, offering conditional job offers during training. The program also offers a missionary pilot training program in partnership with Mid-Atlantic Christian University. ECSU's aviation programs are set to transform aviation education and training throughout North Carolina with dedicated academic and lab space opening in Fall 2027 and additional flight training opportunities at the Currituck Airport beginning Fall 2026. ECSU is recognized as one of the most affordable colleges with an aviation degree path. In-state tuition is approximately $1,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $4,000 per year, excluding flight expenses. Over four years, students can expect to pay about $43,000 to progress from zero hours to CFI multiengine. The university accepts veteran's benefits, including the GI Bill, and offers scholarships such as the U.S. Coast Guard CSPI Scholarship, Americorps, and the David and Dovetta Wilson Scholarship. ECSU's Department of Aviation and Emergency Management provides hands-on experience with state-of-the-art aircraft, flight simulators, air traffic control labs, and avionics simulators. The university has nineteen Cessna 172 Skyhawk single-engine flight training aircraft, equipped with either Garmin G1000 glass cockpits or GTN-750, all ADS-B compliant. ECSU fosters a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere with dedicated professors and small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention and support.