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East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN·Public·9,807 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Tennessee residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 9,807 students.

87%
Accept
9,807
Students
$15,794
Net Price
50%
Grad Rate
$40,600
Earnings
10 yr
$14,400
Debt

About This School

East Tennessee State University is a public institution located in Johnson City, Tennessee with approximately 9,807 undergraduate students enrolled. East Tennessee State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $15,794 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, and the typical graduate earns $40,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public research university in Johnson City, Tennessee. It was historically part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee under the Tennessee Board of Regents, but since 2016, the university has been transitioning to governance by its own board of trustees. As of May 2017, it is the fourth largest university in the state and has off-campus centers in nearby Kingsport, Elizabethton, and Sevierville.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the affordable net price of $15,794/year and low median debt of $14,400 make ETSU a financially reasonable choice, but the 50% graduation rate means a coin-flip chance of actually finishing — worth asking hard questions about support systems and your specific program's outcomes. Median earnings of $40,600 a decade out are modest, so this school makes the most sense if you're pursuing a field with strong regional demand (healthcare is a notable strength given ETSU's well-regarded medical and pharmacy programs) rather than expecting the degree alone to open doors nationwide.

Founded
1911
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Health Professions36%
Business & Marketing12%
Psychology6%
Biological Sciences4%
Education4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Computer Science3%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Kenny ChesneyBesse CooperSteven M. GreerTimothy BusfieldSarah ZadrazilDarrell CastleKeith JenningsAbraham VergheseAaron Schoenfeld

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1114
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile570

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite23

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$9,950
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,790
Avg Net Price
$15,794
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$14,400

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
50%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,400
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,400
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$32,700
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$40,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White73%
Black6%
Hispanic/Latino4%
Asian2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (9,807 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

East Tennessee State University

1276 Gilbreath Drive

Johnson City, TN 37614

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Tennessee

Browse all Tennessee schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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