East Tennessee State University
ETSU
Johnson City, Tennessee 37614
Data last updated: August 29, 2026
Known for health sciences — excellent value
East Tennessee State University is a public institution in Johnson City with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1114, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A mid-sized campus of 9.8K undergraduates with a 18:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
50% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $44,859 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $15,794.
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Buccaneers
History & Fun Facts
- •History Dossett HallETSU was founded as East Tennessee State Normal School in 1911 to educate teachers; the K-12 training school, called University School, operates to this day.
- •By 1930, the school's name had changed again to East Tennessee State Teacher's College, Johnson City.
- •In 1943, East Tennessee State Teacher's College was expanded into a college with a range of liberal arts offerings, becoming East Tennessee State College.
- •The college became East Tennessee State University in 1963, adopting the name it holds today.
- •In 1973, Shelbridge became the president's official residence.
Source: Wikipedia
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Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1114
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Typical Application Requirements
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
64.0%
Avg Tuition Increase
-6.1%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$14,400
Programs (119)
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
74%
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
75
Peer Average
92
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus police, emergency alert system, blue-light phones
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Estimated from TN state average + city premium
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Nearby Hotels
Plan Your Visit
Days out near Johnson City
NewTwo or three colleges you can see in one day around Bristol, from real bookable tour times.
- Lees-McRae College · Appalachian State UniversityBig and small50 days
- Mars Hill University · Warren Wilson CollegeVery small colleges43 days