About

About East Tennessee State University

health sciences focushigh research activityaccessible admissionspublic doctoral university

East Tennessee State University is a public research university in Johnson City, TN, known for its health sciences focus, high research activity, and accessible admissions. With an acceptance rate of 85%, ETSU is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 2,056 students each year. ETSU is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 980–1190, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. ETSU offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $11,392 per year; the sticker price of $29,192 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

East Tennessee State University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

85%
Overall Accept Rate
1085
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 980 – 1190 (test optional)

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ACTScore range: 19 – 26

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to East Tennessee State University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Application Strategy
Apply to the Honors College at ETSU when you submit your main application. Honors students get priority registration, dedicated advising, and access to special housing in honors communities, which makes the transition to college significantly smoother.
Test Score Strategy
Since ETSU is test optional, there is no reason to submit a score that falls below their typical range. Focus your application energy on your GPA, activities, and any available essays instead.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What East Tennessee State University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$29k/yr$12.4k
30k-48k~$29k/yr$14.3k
48k-75k~$29k/yr$16.4k
75k-110k~$29k/yr$20.6k
110k+~$29k/yr$21.2k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

50%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$39k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
9,385
Undergrad Enrollment
East Tennessee State University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch