East Tennessee State University: Know Ranking, Acceptance Rate, Fees and Courses

Located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Johnson City, Tennessee, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has a thriving academic environment. With over 14,000 students, ETSU has a lot to offer across its 366-acre campus. ETSU ranks #320 among National Universities by US News & Reports in 2024. It is known for academic excellence, research, and a supportive community.

This blog has detailed information on East Tennessee State University. It covers its ranking, acceptance rate, costs, scholarships, and admissions.

East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public university in Johnson City, Tennessee, USA. Founded in 1911, ETSU has a long history and a good reputation for academic excellence. ETSU is also home to the Quillen College of Medicine, one of the oldest public medical schools in the state. ETSU has an 85% acceptance rate. It’s a moderately selective school. It attracts students from all over Tennessee and beyond.

The university has 173 academic programs in 11 colleges. These include the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Technology, and the College of Public Health.  ETSU has a strong research focus. Faculty and students work in health sciences, environmental studies, and STEM fields. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU).

The East Tennessee State University athletics team is famous. It has a passionate fan base and a storied history of success in various sports. Current men’s sports at ETSU are football, baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis and track and field.

Unsure of pursuing higher studies in the USA? Know the benefits of studying in the USA for Indian students.

East Tennessee State University Ranking

Talking about East Tennessee State University’s ranking, it is ranked 288th in the US and 1070th in the world by EduRank. According to US News & Reports 2024, it stands at #320 in the National Universities category. The university was also ranked >600 in the US College Rankings 2022 by Times Higher Education. The reason for such strong rankings is that many academic programs offered at ETSU are nationally ranked for their quality.

Also read: 2024 Intakes for Studying in the USA

Why Study at East Tennessee State University?

There are numerous reasons to study at ETSU. Below mentioned are a few of them:

• Exceptional Ranking: The Princeton Review calls East Tennessee State University in USA one of the best Southeastern Colleges. This shows its academic excellence.
• International Buccaneer Buddies (IBB): This vibrant student group unites people from diverse countries. It pairs incoming international students with current ETSU students. This provides a warm welcome and support system. IBB organises popular events like trivia nights, Halloween parties, potlucks, and culture shares.
• Academic Excellence: ETSU has 173 respected academic programs. Many are nationally recognised for their quality.
• Student Life: ETSU has 240+ student groups. Every student can find a community and pursue their interests beyond the classroom.
• Stunning Location: East Tennessee State University location in Johnson City, Tennessee is a paradise for outdoor lovers. It is near vibrant mountain towns like Bristol, Kingsport, Jonesborough, and Asheville, NC. Students can easily explore stunning lakes and rivers. They can also hike and bike on over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
• Comprehensive Academic Support: The Center for Academic Achievement (CFAA) offers free academic support to students. This includes Individual Tutoring, Supplemental Instruction (SI), and Academic Coaching.
• Strong Employment Outcomes: ETSU prepares students for their careers. 90% of graduates find jobs after finishing their studies.

Also read: Top 8 Student Cities in USA for International Students

Cost of Education at East Tennessee State University

The cost of education for both undergraduate and graduation at ETSU is given in the table below:

Source: University website

So, a 4-year undergraduate degree at ETSU costs about $150,000, or INR 1,25,00,000.

Source: University website

Therefore, the total cost of pursuing a 1.5-year graduate degree at ETSU is approximately $55,000 or INR 46,00,000.

East Tennessee State University Scholarships 2024

Below are some of the scholarships offered by ETSU:

International Merit Scholarships

East Tennessee State University awards International Merit Scholarships to all new international students. Students will get a scholarship of up to $9,000 per year for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Eligibility

• Get admitted to ETSU as a degree-seeking student
• Plan to obtain an F-1 or J-1 visa
• Have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher in previous coursework
  • Freshman Applicants – 3.0 GPA in High School
  • Transfer Applicants – 3.0 GPA in previous university coursework
  • Graduate Applicants – 3.0 GPA in undergraduate coursework

Creative Arts Scholarships

The Creative Arts Scholarships are available to all undergraduate and graduate students, not just specific majors. With this scholarship, students pay in-state tuition, which is a savings of around $20,000 per year.

Eligibility

• This scholarship is for first-time out-of-state international and transfer students (undergraduate and graduate).
• The award is for 8 semesters, not summer terms.
• Cannot be combined with any other out-of-state scholarship at ETSU.

STEM Community Outreach Scholarship

New undergraduate students majoring in Computing, Geosciences, Mathematics, or Physics at East Tennessee State University are eligible for the STEM Community Outreach Scholarship. This scholarship covers in-state tuition, worth about $20,000 a year.

Eligibility

• Available to new, first-time ETSU out-of-state undergraduate students (including international students)
• First-time freshmen should have a high school GPA of at least 3.2 (on a 4.0 scale), a Math ACT score of 25, and an English ACT score of 21
• First-time transfer students should have a college GPA of at least 3.0
• The award is for 8 semesters, not summer terms.

Also read: Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA 2024

Sister Cities International Student Scholarship

The Sister Cities Chapter of Tri-Cities, TN-VA established the Sister Cities International Student Scholarship Endowment at ETSU. This scholarship applies to all international students. The award is no higher than $500.

Eligibility

• Must have an active F-1 status
• Must have completed one full semester of study at ETSU at the time of application
• Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and graduate students a 3.5 GPA.

Global Citizens Scholars

This scholarship is also applicable to all international students. Eligible students will get a scholarship amount of $12,000-$13,500 per year.

Eligibility

• >26 ACT
• >3.5 High School GPA
• Must be degree-seeking
• Incoming, First-Time Freshman International Student

Changemaker Scholars Program

This scholarship is for those students who seek commitment involvement, social innovation, and positive change in their communities.

Eligibility

• A strong academic record is important, but there are no ACT or GPA requirements.

The WorldGrad also offers one scholarship to Indian students upon admission to East Tennessee State University. To be eligible for the SmartGrad Scholarship, you need to

• Achieve 75% or above in Class 12 (CBSE or equivalent) / 80% for State Boards. 
• There is no academic gap.

East Tennessee State University Admission Requirements

East Tennessee State University accepts international applicants from students across the world. The application process is the same for all students. But, international students have a few more steps.

English Proficiency Requirements

For international students whose first language is not English, East Tennessee State University requires one of the following:

• TOEFL 79 iBT or 550 PBT.
• IELTS 6.5 or higher.
• PTE Academic 53 or above.
• ELS Language Centers level 112 or equivalent ELS program.

Also read: Which Test Is Better – IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo?

Documents Required to Apply to East Tennessee State University

Below is the list of documents required while applying at ETSU:

Undergraduate:

• Complete the application and application fee
• Official transcripts 
• English proficiency score
• Financial documents

Graduate:

• Complete the application and application fee
• Official transcripts 
• English proficiency score
• GRE or GMAT scores
• Personal statement 
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV
• Essay
• Financial documents

Also read: How to Get Admission to Top USA Universities for MS Programs?

How to Apply at East Tennessee State University?

Here’s how to apply as an international student to East Tennessee State University:

• Fill out the application.
• Pay the application fee ($35 for undergrad, $65 for grad).
• Send in your official transcripts from previous schools/colleges.
• Send in your test scores.
• If applicable, upload additional documents for the programs you’re interested in.
• Submit and wait for a decision.

Also read: Top 5 Courses to Study in USA After 12th Commerce for Indian Students

Popular Degrees at East Tennessee State University

Below are some undergraduate degree programs from various disciplines that are popular among international students at ETSU:

Bachelor of Arts

A Bachelor of Arts is a broad undergraduate degree that focuses on liberal arts subjects. It gives a broad education in literature, languages, history, and social sciences.

• Bachelor of Arts – Economics (International Commerce)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts – Graphic Design

Bachelor of Business Administration

The Bachelor of Business Administration is an undergraduate degree. It gives students a broad understanding of business principles and practices. It covers core areas like accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics.

• Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance (Corporate Finance and Investments)
• Bachelor of Business Administration – Management (Human Resources Management)
• Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing (Marketing Management)

Bachelor of Science

A Bachelor of Science is an undergraduate degree that focuses on scientific disciplines. This program gives students a strong foundation in math, science, and analysis.

• Bachelor of Science – Computing (Computer Science)
• Bachelor of Science – Digital Media (Digital Game Design Concentration)
• Bachelor of Science – Engineering Technology (Industrial Technology)

Study at East Tennessee State University through The WorldGrad

Indian students have an alternative way to get into East Tennessee State University through The WorldGrad’s All American Undergraduate Program. This Smart Program lets students finish the first year in India, and then transfer to the US campus for the rest. This route costs INR 101 lakhs through The WorldGrad. It saves up to INR 24 lakhs vs. direct admission to the university.

Conclusion

East Tennessee State University is an excellent choice for Indian students looking for a well-rounded educational experience. With its diverse range of academic programs, affordable tuition rates, and numerous scholarship opportunities, ETSU offers a high-quality education that is accessible to students from various backgrounds. Join its inclusive community and experience personal and intellectual growth.

East Tennessee State University FAQs

Q1. What is the GPA requirement for East Tennessee State University?
A1. The minimum GPA requirement for ETSU is 3.54, which requires you to be average in high school.

Q2. What is the acceptance rate for ETSU?
A2. East Tennessee State University’s acceptance rate is 85%

Q3. How many international students are at ETSU?
A3. According to the university, over 400 international students currently study at the university.

Q4. Where is the East Tennessee State University campus located?
A4. The East Tennessee State University campus is located in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Q5. What is the ranking of East Tennessee State University?
A5. The East Tennessee State University ranking stands at #320 in National Universities by US News & World Reports.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.