East Tennessee State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At ETSU, the 86% acceptance rate means your bigger opportunity may be earning merit aid, not just getting admitted. With ACT scores widely submitted here, aiming above the middle range can matter: a 25 ACT with a 3.50 GPA can qualify for $2,000, while a 27 ACT can put $4,000 in reach.
⬡ LangSmithbb0f5115-6fcb-4bcf-8e2e-1fc5fa1133abData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
East Tennessee State University facts and stats
East Tennessee State University enrolls about 10,829 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. ETSU has a 76% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 53%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1.
⬡ LangSmithdd7ea713-6238-48ab-89ea-96b581febeebJohnson City, TN
How do your scores compare at ETSU?
Key East Tennessee State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 21
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
April 15
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to ETSU, plan to take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer and fall for retakes that could improve your superscore. Because ETSU’s merit scholarships list SAT/ACT score targets and the financial aid priority deadline is April 15, a December retake should still leave time for scores to arrive.
⬡ LangSmith84040333-1dea-47bb-8fa3-346a16cda9e3Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at East Tennessee State University?
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What you'll actually pay
ETSU, a public Southern Conference university, lists in-state tuition at $7,992 and out-of-state tuition at $11,232. About 45% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $8,769. Submit the FAFSA by the April 15 priority deadline.
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At ETSU, out-of-state tuition is $11,232, with room and board adding $10,960; in-state tuition is $7,992. About 45% of students receive aid, and the average aid package is $11,337, while merit awards average $8,769. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $27,866.
⬡ LangSmithb51bc30b-ce82-4b0a-bb9c-8c64bc2efa0cStudent life at East Tennessee State University
Freshman housing: No guarantee
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus.
Similar schools
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TNAcceptance rate: 81%
SAT: 1020–1160
ACT: 20–25
The University of Tennessee at Martin
Martin, TNAcceptance rate: 88.2%
ACT: 19–25
Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TNAcceptance rate: 76.1%
SAT: 1000–1240
ACT: 20–27
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAcceptance rate: 96.4%
SAT: 828–1108
ACT: 13–21
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