ETSU vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

East Tennessee State University is larger than Lee University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 3,714 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Tennessee State University 15:1; Lee University 13:1.

ETSU vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ETSU or Lee 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 Lee University ($16,286 vs. $20,416).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 4.2% lower than at East Tennessee State University ($10,110 vs. $10,554).
• Lee University is 127.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $13,318 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.8% higher at Lee University than at East Tennessee State University (about $9,268 more per year; $23,790.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lee University than at East Tennessee State University (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lee University students is 53.1% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($15,467 vs. $10,101).

ETSU vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 50 points higher than at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at ETSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 980/1200; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 19/26; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ETSU - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at ETSU vs. 35% at Lee University.

ETSU vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ETSU and Lee 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).

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from East Tennessee State University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $37,100), 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 Lee University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Lee University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.