Skip to content
CollegeRanker
Colleges / TN / Johnson City
East Tennessee State University logo

East Tennessee State University

Public Johnson City, TN · Urban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
52%
Graduation Rate
$44,859
Earnings (10yr)
$15,983
Net Price
86%
Acceptance Rate

Find Your Program

Match With an Accredited Program Accepting Applicants

Explore accredited programs — fast, free, no obligation.

✓ Accredited programs ✓ 100% free ✓ No obligation

Overview

With an acceptance rate of 86%, East Tennessee State University is an accessible choice for students looking for a welcoming environment. This school attracts individuals interested in a variety of fields, particularly in Health Professions, Business & Marketing, Psychology, Visual & Performing Arts, and Education. Those who thrive here are often seeking a solid education coupled with a supportive community.

When it comes to life after graduation, ETSU graduates see a 10-year earning average of $44,859. This is a decent starting point for many, especially considering the affordability of the school. The net price after aid is around $15,983, which is manageable for many students. With a graduation rate of 52%, a significant number of students do successfully complete their degrees, paving the way for better job opportunities.

Financially, students graduate with a median debt of $19,442, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load, combined with the school's supportive atmosphere, means that students who are proactive about their education and utilize available resources are likely to succeed. ETSU is a place where hard work can lead to positive outcomes, and those who engage fully in their education often find rewarding paths ahead.

Rankings

How East Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation52%Earnings 10yr$45KNet Price$16KRetention76%Median Debt$19KPell Grant Rate35%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$12K$0-30K$14K$30-48K$16K$48-75K$21K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%1034.8%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%1448.3%MOBILITY149.87%

Cost & Financial Aid

$10,472
In-State Tuition
$14,522
Out-of-State
$15,983
Avg Net Price
$19,442
Median Debt
35%
Pell Grant Rate
34%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$12,433
Family Income $0–$30K
$14,289
Family Income $30K–$48K
$16,400
Family Income $48K–$75K
$21,193
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$38,704
6 Years After Entry
$41,898
8 Years
$44,859
10 Years
0.43x
Debt-to-Earnings
58%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$38,704 6yr $41,898 8yr $44,859 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

149.87%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
1448.3%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
1034.8%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$75,600
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.35
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
-0.03
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
6.4%
Volunteering Rate
0.99
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 86%
Retention Rate 76%
SAT Average 1144
ACT Midpoint 23
SAT Range 980–1200
ACT Range 19–26
Full-Time Faculty 68%
Faculty Salary (mo) $8,574
Diversity Index 0.48
First-Gen Students 38%

Top Programs

Health Professions 32%
Business & Marketing 12%
Psychology 6%
Visual & Performing Arts 4%
Education 4%
Biology & Biomedical 4%
Computer Science & IT 4%
Humanities 3%