Pfeiffer University vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, NC 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 Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Pfeiffer University is located in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• Pfeiffer 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: Pfeiffer University 11:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

Pfeiffer University vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University ($16,286 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 17.9% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($10,554 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 234.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $24,598 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 141.5% higher at Pfeiffer University than at East Tennessee State University (about $20,548 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at East Tennessee State University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 156.9% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($25,951 vs. $10,101).

Pfeiffer University vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Tennessee State University (1090) is 60 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming ETSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Pfeiffer University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 891/1165; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Pfeiffer University 18/25; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Pfeiffer University - Test-free; ETSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ETSU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than ETSU (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.7% at Pfeiffer University vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

Pfeiffer University vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Pfeiffer 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).

• Pfeiffer University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Pfeiffer University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,100 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $1,899 lower median loan debt than Pfeiffer University graduates ($20,500 vs. $22,399).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Pfeiffer University graduates ($211 vs. $231).
• More Pfeiffer University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (56% 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.