About East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University has built a reputation as a health sciences powerhouse in the Appalachian region. The university enrolls 9,807 students in Johnson City, a small Tennessee city near the Virginia and North Carolina borders. ETSU's medical school, established in 1978, anchors strong programs in medicine, pharmacy, and nursing that draw students across the Southeast. Country music star Kenny Chesney and Voice winner Chris Blue both graduated from here.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a regional public university. Students pay an average net price of $15,794 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $44,859 ten years after leaving school. Graduates typically leave with $19,442 in debt and monthly loan payments of $206. In-state students get a particularly good deal at $9,950 in tuition, though 79% of students already come from Tennessee.
The Buccaneers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 18 varsity sports and 437 student-athletes. The student body is 61% female and 73% white, reflecting both the health sciences focus and regional demographics. With an 85% acceptance rate and average SAT of 1085, ETSU welcomes students with modest academic credentials who want hands-on training in growing fields.
The financial picture looks reasonable for a regional public university. Students pay an average net price of $15,794 after aid, while graduates earn a median of $44,859 ten years after leaving school. Graduates typically leave with $19,442 in debt and monthly loan payments of $206. In-state students get a particularly good deal at $9,950 in tuition, though 79% of students already come from Tennessee.
The Buccaneers compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 18 varsity sports and 437 student-athletes. The student body is 61% female and 73% white, reflecting both the health sciences focus and regional demographics. With an 85% acceptance rate and average SAT of 1085, ETSU welcomes students with modest academic credentials who want hands-on training in growing fields.
Academics & Faculty
East Tennessee State University operates as a public research university with particularly strong health sciences programs. The school established its medical school in 1978 and now offers full programs in medicine, pharmacy, and nursing that attract students across the region. With a student-faculty ratio of 18:1, students receive moderate attention from professors, though the 49.90% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees. The university's research focus means undergraduates can participate in faculty projects, especially in the health sciences. ETSU's location in Appalachian Tennessee also supports strong programs in regional studies and rural health, reflecting the university's commitment to serving its geographic community through education and research.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 18:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 49.9%
- Retention Rate
- 73.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,859
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R2)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,477 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $94,408 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $87,604 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $74,576 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $70,009 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,592 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,867 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $55,286 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $54,748 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $53,984 |
Campus Life
East Tennessee State sits in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where 31% of students live on campus among red-brick buildings and tree-lined quads. Johnson City feels like a genuine college town, located two hours from both Nashville and Charlotte. You'll need a winter coat for mountain weather that brings real seasons, including snow that occasionally cancels classes.
The Buccaneers take their Division I athletics seriously, especially basketball games that pack the Freedom Hall Civic Center. With 18 varsity sports drawing 437 athletes, game days create genuine campus energy. The school's 73.94% retention rate reflects students who stick around for the tight-knit feel that comes with 9,807 enrollment. Weekend options include hiking the nearby Appalachian Trail, exploring downtown Johnson City's live music scene, or heading to regional festivals. The campus maintains strong Appalachian roots while serving students from across the region. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students gravitate toward the health sciences programs, creating a pre-professional atmosphere mixed with mountain culture. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name.
The Buccaneers take their Division I athletics seriously, especially basketball games that pack the Freedom Hall Civic Center. With 18 varsity sports drawing 437 athletes, game days create genuine campus energy. The school's 73.94% retention rate reflects students who stick around for the tight-knit feel that comes with 9,807 enrollment. Weekend options include hiking the nearby Appalachian Trail, exploring downtown Johnson City's live music scene, or heading to regional festivals. The campus maintains strong Appalachian roots while serving students from across the region. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social life. Many students gravitate toward the health sciences programs, creating a pre-professional atmosphere mixed with mountain culture. The 18:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 3,072 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1911
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–46°F
- July Avg
- 63°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.0"
Student Demographics
East Tennessee State draws primarily from within Tennessee, with nearly 80% of students calling the state home. This reflects the university's strong regional reputation and affordable tuition that keeps local students close. Women make up about 61% of enrollment, a gender split that aligns with ETSU's emphasis on health sciences programs like nursing and pharmacy where female enrollment traditionally runs higher. About 35% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation college students from Appalachian communities seeking healthcare careers and professional opportunities.
- Men
- 39.3%
- Women
- 60.7%
- White
- 73.4%
- Black
- 6.3%
- Hispanic
- 4.3%
- Asian
- 2.1%
- In-State Students
- 79.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.2%
Location
Johnson City sits in the mountains of northeastern Tennessee, about 100 miles northeast of Knoxville and 300 miles southwest of Washington D.C. The city of 71,000 residents creates a genuine college town atmosphere in the scenic Appalachian foothills. With 79.41% of students coming from in-state, most know the area's reputation for outdoor recreation and affordable living. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide hiking, skiing, and year-round natural beauty just minutes from campus. Johnson City's downtown has grown around the university presence, offering restaurants and entertainment geared toward the college crowd. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare East Tennessee State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,859
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,534
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $206/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,442
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University accepts 85.26% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1085. The university provides accessible admission to students across the region while maintaining solid academic standards.
How much does East Tennessee State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at East Tennessee State University is $15,794 annually. Students graduate with a median debt of $19,442 and monthly loan payments of $206, making it an affordable option for health sciences education.
What is East Tennessee State University known for academically?
East Tennessee State University operates with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio and is well-known for its health sciences programs. The university established its medical school in 1978 and offers strong programs in medicine, pharmacy, and nursing.
What are the graduation rates at East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University has a 6-year graduation rate of 49.90% and a 4-year rate of 52.40%. Graduates earn a median salary of $44,859 ten years after graduation with a 95.4% employment rate.
Where is East Tennessee State University located and what is campus life like?
East Tennessee State University sits in Johnson City, Tennessee, a small city setting with 9,807 total students. The campus houses 3,072 students and features 18 NCAA Division I varsity sports teams known as the Buccaneers.
Does East Tennessee State University have any famous alumni?
East Tennessee State University counts country music superstar Kenny Chesney among its notable graduates. The university also produced Chris Blue, winner of The Voice singing competition, reflecting its diverse programs beyond health sciences.
Similar Schools
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio
Morgan State University
Baltimore, Maryland
Augusta University
Augusta, Georgia
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs, Colorado