At $15,794/yr net price, East Tennessee State University graduates earn $44,859/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,859/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,794 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $63,176 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,859/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,859/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,442 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,158/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,625/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,944/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,753/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,907/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $117,477 | $237,447 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $94,408 | $59,445 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $87,604 | $44,053 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $74,576 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $70,009 | $61,968 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $68,592 | $87,258 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $56,867 | $23,370 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $55,286 | $194,983 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $54,748 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Master | $53,984 |
The Risk Factor
49.9% of students at East Tennessee State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
East Tennessee State University offers a mixed financial picture with some programs delivering strong returns while others struggle to justify their costs. The school's low net price of under $16,000 annually helps offset weaker earning outcomes in many fields.
Pharmacy stands out as the clear financial winner despite requiring substantial debt loads exceeding $200,000. The six-figure starting salaries make this investment worthwhile for students who can handle the academic rigor and debt burden. Nursing programs also deliver solid returns, with graduates earning in the $80,000-$90,000 range while keeping debt manageable.
The 49% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. Nearly half of students who enroll never finish their degrees, leaving them with debt but no credential to show for it. This makes ETSU particularly risky for students who struggle academically or lack strong motivation to complete their programs.
The school works best for Tennessee residents seeking affordable access to healthcare programs or students confident they can finish their degrees. The low sticker price means you can afford to take some financial risk on less lucrative majors if you have specific career goals that require a degree.
Avoid ETSU if you need extensive academic support or are uncertain about your major. The combination of low graduation rates and modest median earnings creates too much downside risk for students who might struggle to complete their programs or change directions frequently.
Financial aid reaches only about one-third of students, suggesting limited need-based support beyond federal programs. Focus on finishing quickly and choosing programs with clear career pathways to maximize your return on this affordable but academically challenging investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Tennessee State University worth the cost?
East Tennessee State University offers reasonable value with a net price of $15,794 and graduates earning $44,859 after 10 years. However, the 49.9% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI for those who don't complete their degree.
What are the highest paying majors at East Tennessee State University?
Pharmacy programs at East Tennessee State University lead to the highest earnings at $117,477 annually. Nursing programs also pay well, with graduates earning $87,000-$94,000, while most other programs result in more modest salaries.
How much debt do East Tennessee State University graduates have?
East Tennessee State University graduates carry a median debt of $19,442, which is manageable compared to the national average. With post-graduation earnings of $44,859, most graduates can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Does East Tennessee State University have good job placement rates?
East Tennessee State University's main challenge is its low 49.9% graduation rate, meaning many students leave without degrees. For those who do graduate, especially in healthcare fields like nursing and pharmacy, job prospects are generally strong in the region.