University of Akron vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH 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 University of Akron based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 13,332 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Akron Main Campus is located in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Akron Main Campus 17:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

University of Akron vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Akron 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 University of Akron Main Campus than ETSU ($14,693 vs. $16,286).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 11.3% lower than at University of Akron Main Campus ($10,554 vs. $11,904).
• University of Akron Main Campus is 25.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $2,663 more per year; $13,135.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 43.3% higher at University of Akron than at East Tennessee State University (about $6,293 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at East Tennessee State University (95% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students is 14.4% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($11,551 vs. $10,101).

University of Akron vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Akron 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 University of Akron.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Tennessee State University (1090) is 40 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Incoming ETSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Akron).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Akron Main Campus 17/25; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Akron - Open admission; ETSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at University of Akron vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

University of Akron vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Akron 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).

• East Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from University of Akron Main Campus earn a median of about $100 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,100 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($211 vs. $263).
• More ETSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 45%)

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.