Preparatory (Pre-Requisite)
You are considered a preparatory student if you have been admitted to ECU as a non-degree graduate student and are taking undergraduate courses required for admission into an eligible graduate program at ECU.
Financial Aid Eligibility
As a preparatory student, you are eligible to receive up to $12,500 in Federal Direct Stafford Loans. The amount of your loan can vary and will depend on the amount of eligibility remaining within your undergraduate aggregate borrowing limit. Your eligibility is limited to only one consecutive 12-month period. In order to be considered for financial aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To ensure that your information is sent to ECU, please make sure to include ECU’s Federal School Code (002923) in the school information section of the FAFSA. In addition, you will be required to submit a preparatory letter. The preparatory letter must appear on official ECU letterhead, list the courses you are required to take, state that the courses you are taking are prerequisites for entry into a specific graduate program, and must be signed by your department chair or program coordinator.
Estimated Cost of Attendance
The Estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) is intended to demonstrate the maximum costs associated with attending ECU. Your actual costs will be determined by your living arrangements and lifestyle choices. The COA indicates the maximum amount of financial aid allowed for an academic period.
2024-25 Graduate Estimated Cost of Attendance
| Cost of Attendance | GR Resident on Campus | GR Non-Resident on Campus | GR Resident Distance Education | GR Non-Resident Distance Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $7,658 | $20,807 | $5,213 | $18,361 |
| Food | $4,862 | $4,862 | $4,862 | $4,862 |
| Housing | $9,588 | $9,588 | $9,588 | $9,588 |
| Books & Supplies | $822 | $822 | $822 | $822 |
| Personal | $2,128 | $2,128 | $2,128 | $2,128 |
| Transportation | $1,753 | $1,753 | $1,753 | $1,753 |
| Health Insurance | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Loan Fee | $215 | $215 | $215 | $215 |
| Total | $27,026 | $40,175 | $24,581 | $37,729 |
2024-25 Additional Graduate Program Fees
| College of Business Graduate programs | additional $175 per credit hour |
|---|---|
| MS Social Work | additional $75 per credit hour |
| MS in Planning & Environment / Planning & Developments | additional $72 per credit hour |
| All MSN/DNP/PhD Nursing/Post-Master's in MSN programs | additional $150 per credit hour |
| All MS in CSDI classes | additional $166.67 per credit hour |
| All AuD/PhD classes | additional $133.33 per credit hour |
| All MS in OT classes | additional $179 per credit hour |
| All DPT students | additional $80 per credit hour with cap at $1040 per term (includes summer terms) |
| All PA classes | additional $410 per credit hour, includes summer terms |
| All MPH classes | additional $100 per credit hour |
Satisfactory Academic Progress
As a preparatory student, you are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to receive aid. This requires that you earn 80% of the hours you attempt with a minimum 2.0 GPA and complete the required coursework within one consecutive 12-month period. Your academic progress will be checked at the end of each semester (Fall, Spring, Summer). Failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as a preparatory student will result in financial aid suspension. For more detailed information, visit the Satisfactory Academic Progress page.