Why ENC/

Education

Some of the top educational institutions along the East Coast are located in eastern North Carolina. From award-winning community college systems to top-ranked Universities, this region is proud to have education opportunities that stand out from the rest.

East Carolina University

East Carolina University is part of the University of North Carolina System which is one of the most valuable public higher education systems in the country. As the fourth largest university in the UNC System, East Carolina University has 28,000 students enrolled annually. These students represent all 100 North Carolina counties, 45 states plus the District of Columbia, and 68 countries. With 87 undergraduate programs, 69 master’s degree programs, and 18 doctorate programs, the University gives students the chance to participate in cutting-edge research, hybrid online and classroom courses, and hands-on learning.

Internationally recognized, ECU has earned top honors from some of the most prestigious university and college ranking systems:

  • Best Colleges, National Universities - U.S. News & World Report
  • Top 10% Best Bang for the Buck Colleges in the Southeast - Washington Monthly
  • Best 387 Colleges and Best Southeastern - Princeton Review
  • 2021 Best for Vets Colleges - Military Times
  • Top Colleges for Diversity HEED Award - INSIGHT Into Diversity

Health Sciences

As part of the University’s Industry Initiatives program, companies are provided with assistance developing simplified, accelerated connections to East Carolina University’s students, faculty, and research units. Whether industries are looking to spur research and innovation, bring interdisciplinary thinking to a grand business challenge, or connect with top talent, the Industry Initiatives team specializes in identifying opportunities for collaboration with ECU scholars, scientists, and students.

Industry Initiatives

As part of the University’s Industry Initiatives program, companies are provided with assistance developing simplified, accelerated connections to East Carolina University’s students, faculty, and research units. Whether industries are looking to spur research and innovation, bring interdisciplinary thinking to a grand business challenge, or connect with top talent, the Industry Initiatives team specializes in identifying opportunities for collaboration with ECU scholars, scientists, and students.

Life Sciences

The $90 million Life Sciences and Biotechnology Building serves as an interdisciplinary research space for faculty and students. Along with the Eastern Region Pharma Center, it houses ECU’s Department of Biology. Students and faculty in biotechnology, bioprocess engineering, biophysics, environmental engineering, biofuels, plant biology, imaging and sensor development, and environmental biology all have a home in this new, state-of-the-art facility.

In addition to East Carolina University, there are several other nearby four-year universities and colleges including:

  • University of North Carolina - Wilmington (satellite campus in Onslow County)
  • University of Mount Olive
  • Barton College
  • North Carolina Wesleyan College
  • Campbell University