GPA-competitive — The average accepted overall GPA here (3.79) sits in the top quarter of PA programs nationally. If your GPA is below about 3.66, you will want the rest of your application — hours, letters, upward trend — to do real work.
The minimum is not the target — The stated minimum GPA is 3, but the average accepted is 3.79 — a gap of 0.79. Meeting the floor gets you screened in, not admitted.
Lower cost — In-state tuition of $54,483 is in the least expensive quarter of PA programs. Over a career that difference is real money.
Residency matters — Out-of-state tuition ($100,505) runs 84% above in-state. If you can establish residency, this program gets substantially cheaper.
No extra standardized testing — No GRE, PA-CAT, or CASPer required — one less hurdle if standardized tests are not your strength.
Strong PANCE outcomes — A first-time PANCE pass rate of 100% is above the national average.
Apply early — Admissions are rolling, so seats come off the board as the cycle goes. An application submitted in the first few weeks is worth more than the same application submitted in month four.
Stricter prerequisite grades — A minimum of B in prerequisites is tougher than the typical C. Recheck your transcript before you invest in the application.
Recency matters — Prerequisites expire after 5 years recommended, not required. Older science coursework may need to be retaken.
ONE-ON-ONE HELP
Book a Pre-PA Counseling session and spend thirty minutes one-on-one with a practicing PA who knows what admissions committees look for. We will go through your GPA, patient care hours, and school list together, and you will get a written plan for your next steps in your inbox within 24 hours.
East Carolina University is located in North Carolina. The details below come straight from the program and are re-checked on a rolling basis.
At a glance
Location: North Carolina
Institution type: Public
Program length: 27 months
Class size: 38 students
Start month: August
Application deadline: September
Rolling admissions: Yes
In-state tuition: $54,483
Out-of-state tuition: $100,505
Average overall GPA: 3.79
Average science GPA: 3.74
Minimum overall GPA: 3
Letters of recommendation: 3
First-time PANCE pass rate: 100%
Accreditation status: Continued
Admission requirements
GRE: No
PA-CAT: No
CASPer: No
TOEFL (international applicants): Yes
Supplemental application: Yes
Shadowing: Recommended
Letters of recommendation: 3 — Priority review given to health care professionals (PA, MD/DO, NP) and supervisors of paid employment
Interview format: In person
Prerequisites
Minimum prerequisite grade: B
Prerequisite expiration: 5 years recommended, not required
In-progress prerequisites accepted: No
AP or CLEP credit accepted: Yes
Pass/Fail coursework accepted: Yes
Online coursework accepted: Yes
Required coursework
Human Anatomy and Physiology with lab — 8 semester credit hours (two semesters)
Genetics — 3 semester credit hours
General Chemistry with lab (may substitute with Organic Chemistry) — 8 semester credit hours (two semesters)
Microbiology — 3 semester credit hours
Introductory Psychology or higher — 3 semester credit hours
Statistics — 3 semester credit hours
Biochemistry (prerequisite requirement beginning 2026-2027 cycle) — 3 semester credit hours
Recommended: Biochemistry
Cost
In-state tuition: $54,483
Out-of-state tuition: $100,505
Seat deposit: $750
Want to compare your stats to this program? Pre-PA Bestie is a free, always-updated PA program database where you can save schools and see how your numbers line up. Check out Pre-PA Bestie.
You don’t have to navigate your application cycle alone.
That’s what Pre-PA Academy is for.
Get ongoing support throughout your PA school journey with 3–4 live sessions every week led by Savanna Perry, PA-C and The PA Platform team. Bring your questions, get help with what you’re working on right now, and stay on track as you move toward CASPA.
Plus, get access to The PA Platform’s courses, session replays, and exclusive member discounts.
Program website: East Carolina University
Admissions page: Admissions information
Prerequisite details: Prerequisite coursework
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 252-744-1100
Address: Health Sciences Building, Greenville, NC 27834 USA
Program information last verified June 16, 2026. Requirements change — always confirm directly with the program before applying.
ABOUT THE PA PLATFORM
We help Pre-PAs get into PA school. Every coach on our team is a practicing PA, and we have been guiding applicants since 2015. Use these program spotlights to build your school list, then let us help with your essay, your interview, and your plan.
WORK WITH A PA COACH
Thirty minutes one-on-one with a practicing PA, plus a written plan for your next steps.
Line-by-line edits from PAs who know exactly what admissions committees are looking for.
Practice with a PA, then get honest feedback before the real thing.
Courses, session replays, and a community of future PAs, all in one membership.
Bundle services into a package built around where you are in the process.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
Sign up for the newsletter!
