East Tennessee State University

School Overview

East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, TN, 37614. The university is ranked #301 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.

East Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 86%, providing broad access to higher education and welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 980-1200 and ACT scores of 19-26. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.6.

With 10,829 undergraduates, East Tennessee State University is large enough to offer a wide range of academic programs yet maintains a sense of campus community that helps students find their place. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 62% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 40%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.

However, the average net price after financial aid is $12,886, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with East Tennessee State University's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.

Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. East Tennessee State University combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, meaningful financial aid to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether East Tennessee State University is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.