ETSU vs. Fisk University

Comparable Facts

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

East Tennessee State University is larger than Fisk University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 1,059 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting); Fisk University is in Nashville, TN (Large City setting).
• East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Fisk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Tennessee State University 15:1; Fisk University 12:1.

ETSU vs. Fisk University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ETSU or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University ($16,286 vs. $18,595).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 27.4% lower than at Fisk University ($10,554 vs. $14,540).
• Fisk University is 146.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $15,386 more per year; $25,858.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.1% higher at Fisk University than at East Tennessee State University (about $11,336 more per year; $25,858.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at East Tennessee State University as at Fisk University (87% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Fisk University students is 125.8% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($22,811 vs. $10,101).

ETSU vs. Fisk University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ETSU or Fisk University? 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 Fisk University and ETSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fisk University (1330) is 240 points higher than at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming ETSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Fisk University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 980/1200; Fisk University 1140/1510.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 19/26; Fisk University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ETSU - Test optional; Fisk University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Fisk University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ETSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Fisk University (3.1).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Fisk University (37.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at ETSU vs. 8.8% at Fisk University.

ETSU vs. Fisk University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ETSU and Fisk University? 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).

• Fisk University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from East Tennessee State University earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Fisk University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $35,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Fisk University graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Fisk University graduates ($211 vs. $268).
• More ETSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Fisk University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 38%)

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.