East Tennessee State University's published cost of attendance is $25,947 per year, including $9,950 in in-state tuition, $13,790 for out-of-state students, $10,270 for room and board, and $1,350 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.
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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 $25,947 per year, including $9,950 in in-state tuition, $13,790 for out-of-state students, $10,270 for room and board, and $1,350 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid. The average net price after aid is $15,794, representing savings of $10,153 from the sticker price.
This net cost falls $1,701 below the peer median of $14,093, making ETSU more expensive than similar institutions despite its regional public university status. The financial aid system reduces costs substantially for most families, though the net price structure varies significantly by family income level. ETSU's affordability ranking at the 75.1st percentile reflects well above average performance in managing costs relative to outcomes, indicating the university provides reasonable value despite higher-than-peer net prices.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
ETSU graduates carry median debt of $19,442, positioned $1,663 below the peer median of $21,105, indicating moderate borrowing patterns relative to similar institutions. Student debt ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,003 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse financing approaches across the student body.
The debt level ranks at the 74th percentile nationally, placing it in the above average tier for debt management. With median earnings of $44,859, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, indicating that annual debt represents 43% of first-year post-graduation income.
This ratio suggests manageable repayment burden for most graduates, though students in lower-earning programs may face greater challenges. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $15,000 with monthly payments of $198, representing additional family financial obligations beyond student borrowing.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
ETSU delivers modestly below average return on educational investment, with graduates earning $364 less than expected given student demographics and program mix. Despite earnings that fall short of expectations, the university's controlled debt levels and reasonable net prices create acceptable investment outcomes for many students.
Median earnings of $44,859 rank at the 26th percentile nationally, while debt management ranks at the 74th percentile, indicating stronger performance in cost control than income generation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 supports manageable repayment timelines for most graduates, particularly those in healthcare programs that represent ETSU's largest enrollment areas.
Low-income graduates earning $36,900 demonstrate the university's role in providing economic mobility despite modest overall earnings levels. The investment case for ETSU centers on accessibility, affordability, and regional career preparation rather than earnings maximization.
ETSU's financial aid system demonstrates strong commitment to need-based support, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. The $10,153 average financial aid savings represents 39% of the total cost of attendance, indicating substantial institutional investment in making education affordable.
The aid structure concentrates benefits toward Pell-eligible students, who comprise 35.2% of enrollment, creating pathways for first-generation and economically disadvantaged students to access higher education. The progressive net price structure, with low-income students paying $7,749 less than high-income peers, reflects intentional policy decisions to remove financial barriers.
However, the net price of $15,794 exceeds the peer median by $1,701, suggesting ETSU faces resource constraints common among regional public universities. The aid system effectively supports the university's 37.7% first-generation student population and 31.7% transfer student share, creating affordability for students who might otherwise lack access to four-year degree programs.
