What is ECPI University Known For?
ECPI University is a premier institution for students seeking an efficient and accessible education. With a rich history spanning over 50 years, the university offers a diverse range of over 50 Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Programs, emphasizing its commitment to providing quality education that accommodates any busy schedule or lifestyle.
ECPI University is known for its accelerated education programs, and offers bachelor’s degrees that can be completed in as little as 2.5 years as well as associate’s degrees that can be completed in just 18 months. The university prides itself on fostering an immersive “learn by doing” environment, emphasizing hands-on experience to prepare students for real-world challenges. ECPI’s culture prioritizes practical application, ensuring students acquire the skills and knowledge needed for success in their chosen fields. ECPI university recognizes the diverse needs of students by offering flexibility in scheduling, with options for day, evening, or weekend classes across its campuses in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Texas as well as online learning options. This dedication to convenience and adaptability reflects ECPI University’s commitment to empowering students to achieve their educational goals efficiently and effectively.Is it Legit?
ECPI University holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and is authorized to confer associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas. This accreditation extends to all ECPI campuses, including ECPI’s branch campuses. Moreover, ECPI University maintains state licensure approval and state board nursing approval across its campuses.
In addition to institutional accreditation, several programs at ECPI University have earned programmatic accreditation. For instance, the Health Science/Medical Assisting and Surgical Technology programs are accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). The AAS in Culinary Arts degree holds accreditation from the Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACF). Furthermore, the Physical Therapist Assistant program at ECPI University’s Newport News and Richmond/Emerywood campuses is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), among others.
Is ECPI University Worth It?
What sets ECPI apart is its unique and interactive learning approach, allowing students to engage effectively whether on campus, online, or through a hybrid model. The accelerated courses enable students to commence their academic journey sooner and graduate faster, putting them on the path to professional success. The institution prioritizes a warm and personal learning experience, fostering interactions and activities that complement classroom materials. Faculty members bring real-world, industry-related experience to the table, emphasizing practical technology for a hands-on learning approach.
Beyond academic excellence, ECPI University is dedicated to being a valuable investment in higher education, offering competitive tuition and various financial assistance options. With accelerated programs, students have the opportunity to enter the workforce sooner, making their education not only impactful but also cost-effective. With a supportive team of financial aid advisors, ECPI ensures a smoother path toward achieving academic and career goals, reducing stress about tuition payments and allowing students to focus on their education and future success.
ECPI University vs. Community College
ECPI University students graduate with considerable advantages in comparison to community college students. The institution’s accelerated programs provide a fast track to graduation, allowing students to enter the workforce sooner with the added flexibility of day, evening, online, and weekend classes to cater to students with busy schedules. ECPI students experience immersive and interactive learning aligned with the institution’s commitment to practical education, and emphasized through a focused curriculum designed around employer and industry needs in order to prepare students with skills directly applicable to the real world. With a unique approach of taking two classes for the duration of five weeks, students can earn credits efficiently, progressing swiftly through their academic journeys. ECPI’s dedicated support system additionally strives to ensure student success, offering guidance from the admissions process through graduation and beyond. ECPI University offers a comprehensive and tailored educational experience, distinguishing itself as an optimal choice for students aspiring to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Acceptance Rate
ECPI University has an acceptance rate of 100%.
Cost Per Year
The cost of attendance for ECPI University students varies largely based on the program and degree level a student chooses to pursue. Overall, students should expect semesterly tuition to cost anywhere between $4,896 and $10,912. ECPI University offers substantial financial aid support with advisors, payment plans, and federal aid options available to all students.
School Catalog
A copy of the school catalog can be found here.
School Hours
ECPI campuses are typically open from 8:30AM to 10:30PM, Monday through Thursday, and 8:30AM to 5PM on Fridays.
Programs & Courses
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Nursing
- Surgical Technologist
Computer & Information Technology
- Computer Systems Technician
- Programming
- Mobile App Development
Business
- Business Administration
- Accounting
Law
- Criminal Justice
Culinary
- Culinary Arts
- Baking & Pastry Arts
- Restaurant Management
Campus Locations
Orlando, FL 660 Century Point, Ste 1050, Orlando, FL 32746
Charlotte, NC 4800 Airport Center Pkwy., Charlotte, NC 28208
Greensboro, NC 7802 Airport Center Dr., Greensboro, NC 27409
Raleigh, NC 4101 Doie Cope Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613
Charleston, SC 7410 Northside Dr., Ste G101, Charleston, SC 29420
Columbia, SC 250 Berryhill Rd. 300, Columbia, SC 29210
Greenville, SC 1001 Keys Dr., Ste 100, Greenville, SC 29615
Manassas, VA 10021 Balls Ford Rd., Manassas, VA 20109
Newport News, VA 1001 Omni Blvd., Ste 100, Newport News, VA 23606
Newport News, VA 11850 Merchants Walk, Newport News, VA 23606
Norfolk, VA 2428 Almeda Ave. 106, Norfolk, VA 23513
Richmond, VA 800 Moorefield Park Dr., Richmond, VA 23236
Richmond, VA 2809 Emerywood Pkwy., Richmond, VA 23294
Glen Allen, VA 4305 Cox Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060
Roanoke, VA 5234 Airport Rd. NW, Roanoke, VA 24012
Virginia Beach, VA 5501 Greenwich Rd., Ste 100, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
San Antonio, TX 4715 Fredericksburg Road San Antonio, TX 78229 United States
Financial Aid Services
ECPI University has a Financial Planning Tool for applicants to estimate costs. Student aid is awarded based on need. Available options include federal sources, such as the Pell Grant and Stafford Loan. Qualifying high school seniors or military members could receive scholarships.
Student Services
The school fosters a connection between students and employment. There’s an employer advisory board that keeps ECPI in touch with current hiring demands. Starting as freshmen, educators guide each student on how to write resumes and interview for jobs. Also, career advisors help secure experience and teach job search strategies.
Veteran and Military Services
Education benefits earned by armed forces personnel may be tricky to navigate. ECPI University follows the Principals of Excellence to outline the necessary information. As a military friendly school, ECPI can help service members decide what to use. They must consider things like the GI Bill, tuition assistance, and scholarships.
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, ECPI University’s Lake Mary campus has a highly polarized reputation. While many students praise the hands-on learning and supportive professors, a significant number of recent, highly critical reviews express deep dissatisfaction with the administration, communication, and overall program quality.
Overall Score: 4.0/5 Stars
Common Praises
Accelerated and Hands-On Learning: Many students, particularly in nursing and physical therapy assistant programs, appreciate the fast-paced, accelerated curriculum that allows them to earn a degree and start their careers quickly. The focus on hands-on learning and practical clinical experience is frequently mentioned as a key benefit that prepared them for the workforce.
Knowledgeable and Caring Instructors: A large number of positive reviews praise the professors and staff for being knowledgeable, passionate, and genuinely committed to student success. Students report that instructors are approachable and willing to offer extra support, including extended office hours.
Positive Career Outcomes: Graduates often state that they secured a job in their field soon after graduation, and that the curriculum and clinical training prepared them well for the demands of their new careers. The college’s Physical Therapist Assistant program, for instance, has a high ultimate pass rate on the national licensure exam and a 100% employment rate for recent graduates.
Common Criticisms
Disorganization and Poor Communication: This is a major recurring complaint. Students describe the school as “unorganized” and “a complete joke.” Reviewers express frustration with a perceived lack of professionalism and communication issues from administrative staff.
Inconsistent Program Quality: Several reviews are highly critical of the quality of instruction in certain programs. Some nursing students claim instructors are “careless, condescending, and lack the required knowledge,” while another student alleges that half the time is spent sitting around to “squeeze out” lab hours and that teachers sometimes don’t show up.
High Cost and Perceived Poor Value: Some students feel the education is not worth the high cost. One reviewer said they are thankful for their degree but would never recommend the university to anyone else due to the cost and an unsatisfactory experience. The tuition and fees for undergraduate programs are approximately $18,484 per year, which is a significant investment for an accelerated program.
Momentum
The reviews for this campus are very active and show a clear and stark division. A positive review for the Physical Therapist Assistant program was posted just a month ago, but a highly critical nursing review was posted just six days ago. The owner is very active in responding to both positive and negative feedback, often apologizing for bad experiences and offering to connect students with leadership. This suggests the school is actively monitoring its online reputation but is also facing an ongoing stream of polarized experiences from its student body.