ETSU vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

East Tennessee State University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Tennessee State University 15:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

ETSU vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ETSU or Tusculum 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 Tusculum University ($16,286 vs. $20,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 4.1% lower than at Tusculum University ($10,554 vs. $11,000).
• Tusculum University is 179.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $18,778 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.4% higher at Tusculum University than at East Tennessee State University (about $14,728 more per year; $29,250.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Tusculum University than at East Tennessee State University (94% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Tusculum University students is 135.2% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($23,759 vs. $10,101).

ETSU vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Tennessee State University (1090) is 80 points higher than at Tusculum University (1010).
• Incoming ETSU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Tusculum University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 980/1200; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 19/26; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ETSU - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman ETSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at ETSU vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

ETSU vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ETSU and Tusculum 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 Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 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 Tusculum University graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More Tusculum University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (52% 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.