Capital University vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Capital University in Columbus, OH with East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Tennessee State University is larger than Capital University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 2,263 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Capital University is located in Columbus, OH (Large Suburban setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• Capital University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Capital University 9:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

Capital University vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Capital University or ETSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at East Tennessee State University than Capital University ($16,286 vs. $22,395).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 18.7% lower than at Capital University ($10,554 vs. $12,984).
• Capital University is 312.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $32,762 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 197.7% higher at Capital University than at East Tennessee State University (about $28,712 more per year; $43,234.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Capital University than at East Tennessee State University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Capital University students is 241.3% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($34,471 vs. $10,101).

Capital University vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Capital University or ETSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between ETSU and Capital University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Tennessee State University (1090) is 40 points higher than at Capital University (1050).
• Incoming ETSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Capital University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 910/1180; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Capital University 18/25; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Capital University - Test optional; ETSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Capital University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Capital University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Capital University (70.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at Capital University vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

Capital University vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Capital University and ETSU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Capital University's six-year graduation rate (61%) is higher than East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Capital University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,300 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than Capital University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Capital University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Capital University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.