East Tennessee State University's published cost of attendance is $27,042. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $12,433, families in the lower-middle income band pay around $14,289, middle-income families pay about $16,400, families in the upper-middle band pay approximately $20,588, and higher-income families pay roughly $21,193.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $27,042 |
| Tuition and Fees | $14,522 |
| Room and Board | $10,554 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,350 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$11,059 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $15,983 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,433 |
| $30–48k | $14,289 |
| $48–75k | $16,400 |
| $75–110k | $20,588 |
| $110k+ | $21,193 |
East Tennessee State University's published cost of attendance is $27,042. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $12,433, families in the lower-middle income band pay around $14,289, middle-income families pay about $16,400, families in the upper-middle band pay approximately $20,588, and higher-income families pay roughly $21,193. Azimuth ranks East Tennessee State University #324 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. The affordability ranking reflects both the institution's public-tuition structure and the net-price outcomes across income bands. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. East Tennessee State University funds need-based aid through federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional sources. The combination of modest sticker price and broad need-based aid availability makes the institution accessible to students across income levels, particularly those from low- and middle-income backgrounds. The financial aid structure prioritizes closing the gap between published cost and what families actually pay, supported by the institution's commitment to meeting demonstrated need. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $19,442, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $16,938; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $53,033, median federal debt of $19,442 projects to a monthly payment of about $220 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of East Tennessee State University earn median 4-year earnings of $53,033, placing East Tennessee State University in the 12.8 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $3,338 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing East Tennessee State University in the 44.0 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks East Tennessee State University #1108 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. East Tennessee State University also sits in the 14.8 percentile for low-income graduate median earnings among nonprofit four-year institutions — a historical 10-year Scorecard measure not yet updated to the four-year horizon. The earnings pattern at East Tennessee State University reflects a program mix anchored in Health, with Business accounting for 13% of graduates, Arts for 4%, and Education for 3%. Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, combining cohort scale with strong four-year earnings. Nursing is the largest program with 502 graduates earning median four-year earnings of $74,311, and Azimuth ranks it #190 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions . Psychology, General follows with 159 graduates earning median four-year earnings of $42,358, with Azimuth ranking the program #267 for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Among the highest-earning programs, Business Administration program graduates 134 students with median four-year earnings of $55,719, while Kinesiology and General Studies round out the top quartile with median four-year earnings of $47,821 and $44,738, respectively — fields where TN's regional labor market supports steady hiring demand.
