East Tennessee State University Overview

East Tennessee State University is a four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Johnson City, TN. It has an enrollment of 9,768 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 87.40%.

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,220. Tuition is $9,438.00 without financial aid.

East Tennessee State University is a predominantly bachelor’s-degree granting school.

At East Tennessee State University, 66.77% of students return after freshman year (national average: 68%).

East Tennessee State University has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1.

East Tennessee State University Website

East Tennessee State University Admissions

For the incoming class in 2023, the acceptance rate was 87.40%.

SAT or ACT scores are considered but not required

• The average SAT score was 1135.0 for the incoming class of 2023.
• The median ACT score was 23.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

East Tennessee State University Cost

The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,220. The in-state tuition is $9,438.00. Out-of-state tuition is $12,740.00

The average tuition is:

• $10,458, when family income is less than $30,000

• $12,211, when family income is between $30,001 and $48,000 

• $15,151, when family income is between $48,001 and $75,000

• $18,368, when family income is between $75,001 and $110,000

• $18,859, when family income is more than $110,000 

The average tuition shown here is based on the NET costs to students who receive financial aid. For the incoming class of 2023, 41.22% of students received a federal student loan and 38.46% of students received a Pell Grant.

Tuition is $12,740.00 without financial aid, or the in-state tuition discount.

East Tennessee State University Net Price Calculator

East Tennessee State University Majors/Salaries

East Tennessee State University has academic offerings within the core majors listed below.  

Please note that different schools classify majors differently, so it is best to view the school’s website to see the various programs it offers. See detailed information about the individual majors at East Tennessee State University here.

Recent Graduate Salaries

(Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

• Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,055
• Graphic Communications. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,135
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $56,867
• Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $53,984
• Educational Administration and Supervision. (Doctoral Degree) – $70,009
• Educational/Instructional Media Design. (Master’s Degree) – $39,909
• Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
• Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $33,726
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,559
• Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $40,179
• Engineering Technology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
• Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
• English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,055
• Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,055
• Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,840
• Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,380
• Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Master’s Degree) – $39,369
• Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
• Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,550
• Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,019
• Human Services, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,417
• Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,302
• Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $37,907
• Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,508
• Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
• Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,964
• Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
• Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,113
• Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,798
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $49,854
• Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Doctoral Degree) – $74,576
• Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,852
• Medicine. (First Professional Degree) – $55,286
• Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (First Professional Degree) – $117,477
• Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,569
• Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $44,971
• Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $68,592
• Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services. (Master’s Degree) – $44,276
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,712
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $87,604
• Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Doctoral Degree) – $94,408
• Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,117
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,747
• Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $43,798
• Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,848
• Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $54,748
• Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
• Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,560
• History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,213

East Tennessee State University Diversity

The racial diversity of students who received financial aid at East Tennessee State University

• American Indian/Alaska Native: 0.12%
• Asian: 1.57%
• Black: 6.74%
• Hispanic: 3.96%
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.03%
• Non-resident alien: 1.30%
• Two or more races: 3.94%
• Unknown: 5.93%
• White: 76.41%

At East Tennessee State University, 16.42% of undergraduate students are 25 years old, or older.

East Tennessee State University Frequently Asked Questions

How is school spirit at East Tennessee State University?

East Tennessee State University is known for its strong school spirit and engagement with its community. ETSU has a diverse range of student-led organizations, clubs, and athletics that foster school pride and involvement. The university’s athletic program, the Buccaneers, competes in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference, and draws a dedicated fan base for their football, basketball, and other sports events. Additionally, the university has a vibrant and supportive alumni network that provides ongoing support and involvement in the university’s activities. Overall, school spirit is an integral part of ETSU’s culture and community.

What are some popular extracurriculars at East Tennessee State University?

East Tennessee State University offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for its students. Some of the popular extracurricular activities at ETSU include: 1. Athletics – ETSU has a Division I athletic program that includes football, basketball, soccer, and other sports. 2. Student government – ETSU has an active student government that allows students to get involved in the decision-making process on campus. 3. Greek life – ETSU has over 20 fraternities and sororities that students can join. 4. Volunteer work – ETSU offers many opportunities for students to give back to the community through volunteer work and service projects. 5. Arts and culture – ETSU has a strong arts and cultural scene, with many opportunities to participate in music, theater, and other artistic disciplines. 6. Outdoor activities – Located in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee, ETSU offers students many opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. These are just a few examples of the many extracurricular activities available to students at East Tennessee State University.

How are the food choices at East Tennessee State University?

East Tennessee State University offers a wide range of dining options that cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. It has several dining halls, including one that offers all-you-can-eat meals, and a food court with various restaurants such as Chick-fil-A, Subway, Starbucks, and others. There are also options for vegan, gluten-free, and kosher diets. Moreover, the university has a weekly farmers market that sells fresh produce, artisanal products, and local food. Overall, the food choices at East Tennessee State University are diverse and suitable for everyone.

Is there Greek life at East Tennessee State University?

Yes, Greek Life is present at East Tennessee State University. The university has a variety of fraternities and sororities under the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Panhellenic Council (PHC). These organizations provide a social and community involvement experience for students. Additionally, they engage in philanthropy and volunteer work in the surrounding area.

What is East Tennessee State University known for?

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is known for several strong programs, including their College of Nursing, College of Medicine, and Quillen College of Pharmacy. ETSU’s nursing program is highly ranked, and its College of Medicine, which emphasizes primary care, ranks in the top ten percent of medical schools nationwide in producing primary care physicians. In addition, the ETSU Quillen College of Pharmacy is ranked in the top 50 national pharmacy programs. ETSU is also recognized for its outstanding faculty and staff, as well as its commitment to community engagement and service.

What are the most popular school clubs at East Tennessee State University?

Some of the most popular school clubs at East Tennessee State University include the Bucky’s Finance Society, the Student Government Association, the Pre-Health Society, the Psychology Club, the Campus Crusade for Christ, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the International Student Association. ETSU offers a wide range of clubs and organizations, catering to different interests and hobbies of their diverse student body.

Is the campus at East Tennessee State University safe?

East Tennessee State University, located in Johnson City, TN, takes campus safety seriously and has an active police force that works to ensure a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff. The campus has a low crime rate overall, and violent crimes are rare. However, like any campus, there are incidents of theft, minor assaults, and other non-violent crimes. ETSU also has a number of safety initiatives in place, including emergency alert systems, blue-light emergency phones around campus, and 24/7 police patrols. The police force also offers safety escorts to students who feel unsafe walking alone on campus at night. Overall, while no campus can guarantee complete safety, East Tennessee State University takes campus safety seriously and has measures in place to ensure a secure environment.