Transforming the Region
The Economic Impact of East Carolina University
At East Carolina University, our Pirates are dynamic engines powering North Carolina’s economy to new heights. ECU strengthens the state’s economy through research, education, entrepreneurship and service, driving innovation and regional transformation from Manteo to Murphy.
Across the State
Our Pirates live across the state, boosting economies in North Carolina from Dare County to Cherokee.
| Total Income ($) | Total Output ($) | Total Employment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Operations | 857,524,832 | 1,820,949,202 | 19,261 |
| Student Spending | 119,565,359 | 371,495,309 | 4,305 |
| Visitor Spending | 54,832,137 | 138,867,400 | 1,975 |
| Alumni Dividend | 23,842,482 | 75,475,914 | 535 |
| Capital Expenditures | 50,593,976 | 139,928,500 | 1,055 |
| Total Impact | 1,106,358,786 | 2,546,716,325 | 27,131 |
In Eastern North Carolina
ECU’s key service area includes 29 counties in eastern North Carolina. The university’s greatest economic impact is felt in this region.
| Total Income ($) | Total Output ($) | Total Employment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Operations | 822,090,377 | 1,706,114,180 | 18,651 |
| Student Spending | 114,455,222 | 354,325,436 | 4,222 |
| Visitor Spending | 52,824,424 | 132,143,247 | 1,942 |
| Alumni Dividend | 1,744,011 | 6,363,582 | 52 |
| Capital Expenditures | 50,593,976 | 139,928,500 | 1,055 |
| Total Impact | 1,041,708,010 | 2,338,874,945 | 25,922 |
Impact Through Research
ECU researchers set record benchmarks in research productivity. In FY 2018, the university recorded $20.3 million in research expenditures from extramural funds. For every institutional dollar ECU spent on research, the university researchers were able to match that with $1.08 awarded by non-institutional funds.
| Total Income ($) | Total Output ($) | Total Employment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitt County | 37,950,659 | 75,877,626 | 853 |
| Local Area | 539,967 | 2,148,080 | 13 |
| Rest of Eastern NC | 587,660 | 3,241,741 | 20 |
| Rest of NC | 1,512,180 | 4,926,181 | 25 |
| Total Eastern NC | 39,078,286 | 81,267,447 | 887 |
| Total NC Impact | 40,590,466 | 86,193,628 | 912 |
Supporting Business Growth
ECU supports new and small business growth across the state, from medical imaging startup companies to student-led printing ventures. The university’s commitment to entrepreneurship is growing, adding a spark to the economy of rural communities.
East Carolina University’s 2019 economic impact study was estimated using industry-leading economic impact data and analytical software IMPLAN and personal income, output and employment that resulted from university and university-related expenditures for 2018. Research productivity and expenditure figures, as well as startup and microenterprise figures, provided by the Division of Research, Economic Development and Engagement.