East Tennessee State University
About East Tennessee State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
East Tennessee State University is a public university in Johnson City, Tennessee, in the Appalachian Highlands. It is known for its medical school, pharmacy program, and bluegrass music studies, and offers a campus surrounded by mountains.
Founded
1911
Location
Johnson City, Tennessee
Students
12,903
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
86.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
53.2%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$10,472
Out-of-state: $14,522
Avg Net Price
$15,983
After financial aid
SAT Average
1144
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$44,859
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$25
Early
N/A
Deadline
Aug 20
East Tennessee State University accepts the majority of applicants at 86.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1144/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
53.2% complete their degree within six years
Retention
75.7%
4-Year Grad
35%
6-Year Grad
51%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
67.7%
$/Student
$15.5K
Class Size
Medium
The 35% graduation rate is below average, but 75.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,472
In-State
$14,522
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,554
Books & Supplies
$1,350
Total Cost of Attendance
$27,042
After Financial Aid
$15,983
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,433
Receive Grants
34.8%
Take Loans
33.7%
The total cost of attendance runs about $27,042/yr, including $10,554 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $15,983.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at East Tennessee State University fund their education.
While in School
34.8%
Get Grants
Free money
33.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$33,885
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$19,442
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$206/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 33.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $19,442. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends East Tennessee State University.
Gender
60.5%
Female
40%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
10,004
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
2,899
Graduates
37.7%
First-Gen
22 yrs
Avg Age
13.9%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 61% of the student body. 37.7% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
10,004
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
East Tennessee State University fields 12 varsity teams with 476 student athletes, about 5% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FCS
Conference
Southern
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
12
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
476
5% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
51% / 49%
244
Men
232
Women
8
Men's Teams
10
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of East Tennessee State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$44,859
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$64K
588 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$26K
140 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$37K
126 grads
1yr Earnings
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
$26K
108 grads
1yr Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
$32K
100 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$28K
91 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $39K six years out, growing to $45K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about East Tennessee State University
What is the acceptance rate at East Tennessee State University?▾
How much does East Tennessee State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at East Tennessee State University?▾
How much do East Tennessee State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.