East Tennessee State University — College Profile

About

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Highlands, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is highly regarded for its premier Academic Health Sciences Center, which houses exceptionally strong, nationally recognized programs in nursing, medicine, and public health. Beyond healthcare, ETSU stands out globally for its highly distinctive Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program, which is the oldest and most prestigious collegiate program of its kind. The campus culture is defined by a close-knit, active community where Division I Buccaneer school pride is matched by a passion for the outdoors, with the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian Trail serving as a natural backyard for recreation and research. This unique blend of specialized, high-impact academics and a vibrant, adventure-filled mountain lifestyle makes ETSU a truly distinctive place to live and learn.

Wikipedia:East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public research university in Johnson City, Tennessee. As of 2026, it is the fourth-largest university in the state by student enrollment. In addition to its main campus, ETSU has facilities in Kingsport, Elizabethton, Chattanooga, and Sevierville.

Location

Johnson City, TN, 37614 · City campus

✈

Nearest airport from college

RDU · Raleigh-Durham

202 mi away

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Cost

In-state COA

$27,042

Out-of-state COA

$31,092

Avg net price

$15,983

Room & board

$10,554

In-state tuition

$10,472

Out-of-state tuition

$14,522

Books & supplies

$1,350/yr

Average net price by family income

$0–30k

$12,433

$30–48k

$14,289

$48–75k

$16,400

$75–110k

$20,588

$110k+

$21,193

Admissions

Admit rate

86%

Test policy

Test optional

SAT average

1144

Reading 510–620

Math 470–580

ACT midpoint

Composite 19–26

English 19–27

Math 17–25

SAT range (25th–75th percentile)

40080012001600

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Essay Requirements

This school does not appear to use the Common Application. Check the school's admissions website directly for essay requirements and application instructions.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes

Graduation rate

52%

4-yr on-time completion

40%

1st-yr retention

76%

Transfer-out rate

23%

8-year outcomes

Graduated

54%

Transferred

26%

Still enrolled

Dropped out / unknown

19%

Median earnings (6yr)

$38,704

Median earnings (10yr)

$44,859

Median debt

$19,442

Monthly loan payment

$206

Debt range (25th–75th)

$5,500–$25,003

Debt (90th percentile)

$37,000

Student Body

Men 40%Women 60%

Student : Faculty ratio

■Students ■ Faculty

Pell grant recipients

35%

First-generation

38%

Median family income

$33,885

Independent students

24%

Veterans

Avg age at entry

22.0

Part-time students

11%

Race & ethnicity

White

72%

Hispanic

Black

Asian

Two or more

Non-resident

Unknown

11%

Programs & Earnings

Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings

Median earnings for graduates across all programs

6 years after entry

$38,704

10 years after entry

$44,859

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing588

Psychology, General140

Business Administration, Management and Operations126

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness108

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities100

Biology, General91

Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other80

Marketing80

Computer and Information Sciences, General78

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods73

Criminal Justice and Corrections68

Communication and Media Studies65

Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions53

Graphic Communications49

Accounting and Related Services47

Human Services, General46

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Institutional

Endowment

$119M

Classification

R2: High Research

Undergraduate profile

Four-year, selective admissions

Full-time faculty

68%

Avg faculty salary

$8,574/mo

Instructional spend/student

$15,541