East Tennessee State University
East Tennessee State University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
East Tennessee State University at a Glance
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public research university in Johnson City, Tennessee. It was historically part of the State University and Community College System of Tennessee under the Tennessee Board of Regents, but since 2016, the university has been transitioning to governance by its own board of trustees. As of 2026, it is the fourth-largest university in the state and has off-campus centers in nearby Kingsport, Elizabethton, Chattanooga, and Sevierville.
1911
115 years old
$198M
$198.25 million (2025)
13,483
806
340 acres
Identity
Is East Tennessee State University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, East Tennessee State University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $44,859 — 17% below average — while paying $15,983/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 52% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at East Tennessee State University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How East Tennessee State University compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #96 of 143 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Modesto Junior College | 100 | $2,818 | $42,368 |
| #2 | Skyline College | 100 | $1,738 | $55,702 |
| #3 | Indian River State College | 100 | $3,815 | $38,315 |
| #4 | Henry Ford College | 100 | $660 | $34,795 |
| #5 | South Texas College | 100 | $1,751 | $36,788 |
| #6 | Pensacola State College | 91 | $3,957 | $36,739 |
| #96 | East Tennessee State University | 36 | $15,983 | $44,859 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of East Tennessee State University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in TN.
Best Programs at East Tennessee State University
The highest-earning program at East Tennessee State University is Computer and Information Sciences, General at $55,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Fine and Studio Arts at $15,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer and Information Sciences, General graduate from East Tennessee State University earns $55,500, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $15,800. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer and Information Sciences, General graduates carry $23,250 in median debt vs. $24,750 for Fine and Studio Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,983/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $55,500 | $55,500 | $23,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $50,400 | $50,400 | $21,250 |
| Engineering Technology, General | $49,800 | $49,800 | $22,966 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $43,400 | $43,400 | $22,348 |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $41,500 | $41,500 | $20,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $36,900 | $36,900 | $21,251 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $35,300 | $35,300 | $16,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $34,600 | $34,600 | $18,750 |
| Marketing | $34,000 | $34,000 | $15,000 |
| Chemistry | $33,700 | $33,700 | $17,589 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $33,000 | $33,000 | $15,000 |
| Public Health | $31,100 | $31,100 | $22,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $30,900 | $30,900 | $20,750 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $28,200 | $28,200 | $21,125 |
| History | $28,200 | $28,200 | $24,039 |
| Human Services, General | $27,200 | $27,200 | $21,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $27,100 | $27,100 | $22,919 |
| Social Work | $26,800 | $26,800 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $26,600 | $26,600 | $21,250 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $25,800 | $25,800 | $23,986 |
| Political Science and Government | $25,100 | $25,100 | $27,000 |
| Biology, General | $24,900 | $24,900 | $17,000 |
| Psychology, General | $23,000 | $23,000 | $20,230 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $22,800 | $22,800 | $21,250 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $22,100 | $22,100 | $21,500 |
| Sociology | $21,600 | $21,600 | $25,000 |
| Graphic Communications | $19,500 | $19,500 | $22,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $15,800 | $15,800 | $24,750 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Johnson City, TN
- Student Body
- 10,004 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 52%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,983
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $44,859
- Median Student Debt
- $19,442