ETSU vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

East Tennessee State University is larger than Tennessee State University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 6,310 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

ETSU vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ETSU or Tennessee State 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 Tennessee State University than ETSU ($14,586 vs. $16,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 5.3% lower than at Tennessee State University ($10,554 vs. $11,150).
• East Tennessee State University is 21.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $1,856 more per year; $10,472.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.4% higher at Tennessee State University than at East Tennessee State University (about $7,894 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at East Tennessee State University than at Tennessee State University (87% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by East Tennessee State University students is 4.6% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($10,101 vs. $9,661).

ETSU vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Tennessee State University (1090) is 120 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming ETSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 980/1200; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 19/26; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ETSU - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman ETSU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at ETSU vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

ETSU vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ETSU and Tennessee State 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).

• East Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from East Tennessee State University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,000 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $7,500 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($20,500 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $78 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($211 vs. $289).
• More ETSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 29%)

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.