East Tennessee State University (ETSU) vs Tennessee State
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) and Tennessee State University (TSU) are two distinct institutions of higher learning in Tennessee, each offering unique educational experiences. ETSU, located in Johnson City, boasts a higher acceptance rate (78%) compared to TSU's 58%, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. TSU, situated in Nashville, stands out for its historically Black college or university (HBCU) status, fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. While ETSU's student body is predominantly White (78%), TSU's student population is predominantly Black (79%). Both universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with popular majors including nursing, business, and education. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these institutions, including graduation rates, tuition costs, and available student services, to determine which university best aligns with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() East Tennessee State University |
![]() Tennessee State University |
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Overview |
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Location | Johnson City, Tennessee | Nashville, Tennessee |
Campus setting | City: Small | City: Large |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Public | Public |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 67.0% | 53.0% |
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No | No |
Religious affiliation | ||
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 87.4% | Open Admission |
Application fees |
Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$55
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Undergraduate:
$25
Graduate:
$25
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SAT range | N/A | N/A |
ACT range | 19 - 26 | N/A |
Students submitting SAT score | ||
Students submitting ACT score | 80.0% | |
Total number of applicants | 8,563 | |
Total number of admissions given out | 7,484 | |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 1,856 | |
Yield rate | 24.8% | |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | |
High school GPA | Required | N/A |
Recommendation letters | Not required | N/A |
High school transcript | Not required | N/A |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | N/A |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price |
In state:
$28,704
Out of state:
$32,006
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In state:
$29,346
Out of state:
$42,702
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Average net price | $14,482 | $11,880 |
Tuition |
In state:
$7,486
Out of state:
$10,788
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In state:
$7,128
Out of state:
$20,484
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Room & board | $9,582 |
Room/dormitory:
$3,958
Meal plan:
$4,208
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
97.0%
Average amount $9,541 |
70.0%
Average amount $11,763 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
34.0%
Average amount $6,489 |
44.0%
Average amount $5,525 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $13,366 |
2.0%
Average amount $16,866 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
10,316
Men 38.3% Women 61.7% |
6,375
Men 36.4% Women 63.6% |
Graduate students |
2,987
Men 30.7% Women 69.3% |
1,702
Men 30.7% Women 69.3% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
|
Low
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Out-of-state students | 22.1% | 60.5% |
International students | 2.0% | 6.2% |
Campus local/setting | City: Small | City: Large |
Dormitory capacity | 2,833 | 2,960 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Tennessee North Carolina Virginia South Carolina Georgia | Tennessee Georgia Illinois Alabama Ohio |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 15:1 | 14:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 50.6% | 30.3% |
Dropout rate | 21.3% | 34.7% |
Transferred out | 25.2% | 32.1% |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Medicine (First Professional Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
Public Health (Master's Degrees)
Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees)
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees)
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Social Work (Master's Degrees)
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