ECU’s incoming class has higher GPA, SAT scores

Published Apr 17, 2009 by
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GREENVILLE, N.C.—   The number and caliber of students applying to East Carolina University continues to increase, Judi Bailey, senior executive director of Enrollment Management, told ECU’s Board of Trustees April 17.

ECU received 18,712 applications for the incoming freshman class, an increase of nearly 20 percent from 2008, Bailey said. 

In addition, academic credentials for admitted applicants improved. The average freshman applicant admitted to ECU in 2009 has a high school grade point average of 3.227, which is .063 points higher than the average GPA in 2008, and an SAT score in critical reading and mathematics of 1077, a full 27 points above the average score in 2008.

Bailey said she is proud of the way ECU has increased academic standards while growing its enrollment. “We have not moved away from increased standards,” she said. “We have held the line academically.” 

Projections show that the incoming freshman class could be as large as 4,438 students with 21 percent of them coming from out-of-state. However, the economic downturn may affect the final number, Baily said. 

“Given the economic situation, we believe our freshman class will be around 4,300 students,” she said. ECU enrolled more than 4,500 freshman students in Fall 2008.

To prepare for the influx of students as Scott Residence Hall goes off line for renovations, the Board of Trustees approved a request from Campus Living to lease off-campus apartments for up to 500 students. The estimated cost is $100,000 for the fall semester, with funds coming from the Campus Living housing account. 

In other news:

–    Trustees approved a recommendation from Chancellor Steve Ballard to confirm Dr. Phyllis Horns as vice chancellor for Health Sciences. Chancellor Ballard called Horns, who has served as interim vice chancellor since 2006, “a leader who leads by example and with integrity.” 

–  Trustees approved an increase in parking fees for 2009/10. Effective July 1, parking fees will be the following amounts:
TYPE OF PASS                   NEW FEE    INCREASE 
Reserved                            $408           $72
Fac/Staff A Zone                 $312            $24
Fac/ Staff B Zone                $156            $12
Stu/Res A Zone                   $312           $24
Student B Zone                   $156           $12
Commuter Fac/Staff              $84           $12
Commuter Student               $84            $12
Freshman                            $240          $40
Motorcycle                            $48           $23
Retired faculty                     $156           $12
Vendor                                $156           $12

–    Trustees also approved elevations for a planned expansion of Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The expansion will add 7,000 new seats to the stadium’s east end zone. Terry Holland, athletic director, said the project could be completed as soon as the 2010 season, but will depend on ticket sales, private donations and other financial considerations.