East Central University

Public · Moderately Selective · OK

Photo: Brad Holt (CC BY-SA 2.0)

School data & stats

TypePublic

LocationOK · South

SettingRural

Undergrads2,467

Student:faculty18:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate22.6%

6-yr grad rate34.4%

Drop-out rate39.4%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$8k

Out-of-state tuition$18k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity53.3%

Gender diversity59.7%

International7.9%

Identity—

Overview

East Central University is a public regional university in Ada, Oklahoma, originally founded as a normal school for training teachers. It sits in the capital of the Chickasaw Nation and serves a significant Native American student population alongside students from the surrounding south-central Oklahoma region. ECU functions as an affordable, accessible option rather than a selective destination school.

Academics

Education remains a core strength, tracing back to the university's founding mission, alongside nursing and business programs that serve regional workforce needs. Class sizes are small, and the university leans toward a teaching, rather than research, mission.

Worth knowing

ECU's location in the Chickasaw Nation's capital and its partnerships with tribal programs give it a distinct regional identity, connecting the university closely to Native American communities and students in south-central Oklahoma.

ecok.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate58.1%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 900–1120 · ACT 17–24

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying