Acceptance Rate
86%
Avg. SAT
1200
75th percentile
“A welcoming public university in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains with a deep focus on community and healthcare education.”
Johnson City, TN
Location
Small City
Campus Setting
Nestled in Johnson City, Tennessee, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) was founded in 1911 as a normal school to train teachers for the region’s rural communities. Over the decades, it has grown into a comprehensive public university with a mission rooted in serving the Appalachian region, emphasizing access to education for first-generation students and locals alike. ETSU’s personality is warm and grounded, shaped by the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains that surround it, offering a tight-knit feel despite its size of nearly 12,000 undergraduates.
This is a place for students who crave a sense of belonging and want to make a tangible difference in their communities. You’ll find peers who are often down-to-earth, many hailing from small towns or nearby counties, with a shared appreciation for the slower pace of mountain life. However, if you’re seeking a bustling urban campus or a highly competitive academic environment, ETSU might feel too quiet or laid-back, as its focus leans more toward practical education than cutthroat prestige.
Johnson City itself, with a population of about 70,000, blends small-town charm with enough amenities to keep you engaged—think local breweries, hiking trails in Cherokee National Forest, and a growing arts scene. The area’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to larger cities, but the flip side is that public transportation is limited, so having a car can be a necessity for getting around or exploring beyond campus. ETSU’s identity is inseparable from its Appalachian roots, making it a haven for those who value regional connection over big-city flash.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
ETSU shines in programs tied to the needs of its region, particularly in healthcare and education. The Quillen College of Medicine, one of the few medical schools focused on rural health, draws students passionate about serving underserved areas, while the nursing and public health programs are also standouts, often integrating hands-on training in local clinics. Beyond these, ETSU offers solid offerings in business, education, and the arts, with a growing emphasis on digital media and storytelling through its Department of Media and Communication.
In the classroom, you can expect a practical, supportive approach—professors often prioritize teaching over research and are accessible for one-on-one guidance. Many intro courses are on the larger side, especially in popular majors, which can mean less personal attention early on. If you’re driven and proactive, though, you’ll find opportunities to engage in undergraduate research, particularly in health sciences, though access to cutting-edge facilities or highly specialized fields might be more limited compared to larger research universities.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
10,829 undergrad • 2,899 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
72%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
4%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
15%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Johnson City, TN
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at ETSU feels like an extension of the surrounding Appalachian community—friendly, unpretentious, and centered on shared experiences. You’ll notice a strong sense of school spirit during Bucs football games at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, where students and locals alike cheer under the crisp fall air of the mountains. Traditions like the annual Lighting of the Quad, where holiday lights transform the campus, bring everyone together, while over 200 student organizations offer ways to connect, from outdoor adventure clubs to cultural groups.
Socially, ETSU strikes a balance—there’s a modest party scene, but it’s not overwhelming, and many students prefer low-key hangouts or exploring nearby hiking spots over wild nightlife. Housing is plentiful for freshmen, with several residence halls fostering a close community, though upperclassmen often move off-campus to nearby apartments due to limited on-campus options. The trade-off of this scenic, rural setting is the isolation; if you thrive on constant urban energy, the slower rhythm and cold, damp winters might wear on you over time.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Southern Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
No
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
45%
6 Years Graduation Rate
63%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$44,859
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at East Tennessee State University and return in the fall. 45% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 63% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
45%
4-5 years
18%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
36%
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Key Statistics
Type
Public
Tuition
$7,486
Acceptance
86%
Undergrads
10,829
4-Year Grad Rate
45%
Endowment
$102M
Johnson City, TN 37614