Public
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Johnson City, Tennessee
87.1% Acceptance Rate
East Tennessee State University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
87.1%Acceptance Rate
3.33Avg GPA
1114Avg SAT
23Avg ACT
$25,947Annual Cost
$44,859Grad Salary
35.2%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
87.1%
Avg GPA
3.33
Avg SAT
1114
Avg ACT
23
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
950–1170
ACT Middle 50%
19–26
Avg Net Price
$15,794
Need-Based Aid
35.2% receive Pell
East Tennessee State University is a public institution in the Appalachian region known for its extensive research programs and commitment to student health and professional development. Admissions prioritize academic preparedness and a demonstration of how the student will utilize the university's resources. The institution looks for well-rounded candidates who are ready to engage in research, community service, and collaborative learning across diverse fields.
East Tennessee State University Acceptance Rate
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 87.1%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 87.1% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.33 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.13 – 3.32
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.88
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
East Tennessee State University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
The application deadline for East Tennessee State University is August 20 for Regular applicants, with additional plans listed below.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 30 days left — Regular
Regular
August 20
Regular
January 14
💡 The scholarship deadline (Varies by scholarship program) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
ETSU GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at ETSU is 3.33. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.53-3.73 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.03 and 3.33, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
ETSU GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at ETSU utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.33, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.33 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.13 – 3.32
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.93 – 3.12
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.92
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Quillen Honors Scholars (ETSU Honors College + Quillen College of Medicine): cohort of ?10 incoming freshmen, 5 guaranteed Quillen seats post-bachelor's; requires 26+ ACT/1230 SAT, 3.5+ GPA, application due Dec. 1, finalist interview first Saturday in February; all scholars get a $5,000/year stackable scholarship plus funded study abroad and enrichment regardless of guaranteed-seat selection
- College EQUIP Program offers a separate, checklist-based Quillen guarantee (3.4 GPA minimum) for students completing the Appalachian Preceptorship, shadowing, leadership, and community-involvement milestones plus an Early Decision AMCAS application - distinct from the competitive Honors Scholars cohort selection
- General freshman admission: test scores not required (minimum 17 ACT/920 SAT if submitted); test scores remain required for most scholarships and academic advising/placement even though not required for admission itself
- Quillen College of Medicine (the graduate-level med school) admits at roughly a 2% rate from ~3,000-4,000 applicants annually, with strong preference for Tennessee residents and Appalachian-region applicants - an entirely separate admissions universe from ETSU undergraduate admission
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at ETSU
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on East Tennessee State University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into ETSU Without SAT or ACT?
East Tennessee State University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
East Tennessee State University Average SAT Score: 1114
The average SAT score of the admitted students at East Tennessee State University is 1114 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1114 — Less Competitive
This score makes it less competitive for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1114 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1170 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. East Tennessee State University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 950, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at ETSU. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 515 | 460 | 570 |
| SAT Reading | 545 | 490 | 600 |
| SAT Composite | 1114 | 950 | 1170 |
It means that if you have scored less than 950 then you are below most of the admitted students at ETSU and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1170 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into East Tennessee State University (ETSU) with a 1150 SAT?
With a 1150 SAT Score, your chances of admission at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) are good but the admission staff at ETSU tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
East Tennessee State University (ETSU) ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at ETSU is 23.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 23 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes East Tennessee State University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 23 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 22 | 19 | 25 |
| ACT Composite | 23 | 19 | 26 |
Can I get into East Tennessee State University with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at East Tennessee State University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at East Tennessee State University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that East Tennessee State University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether East Tennessee State University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for ETSU
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
ETSU is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
If pre-med is the firm goal, decide on the Quillen Honors Scholars program before submitting the general application - it's a high school decision, not a college-years decision
The ETSU Honors College and Quillen College of Medicine jointly run a guaranteed-admission pathway (no more than 10 incoming freshmen selected per cohort, 5 of whom secure a guaranteed Quillen seat after completing the bachelor's degree) requiring a 26+ ACT/1230 SAT and 3.5+ GPA, full application due Dec. 1 with finalist interviews the first Saturday in February. A student set on medicine should apply to ETSU and this program simultaneously as an incoming senior rather than treating "pursue Honors, decide on pre-med later" as an option - this specific guarantee is only available at initial freshman entry.
Even if not selected for the guaranteed track, understand all Quillen Honors Scholars get identical funding and enrichment - selection for the medical-school guarantee is separate from program benefits
All admitted Quillen Honors Scholars (not just the 5 guaranteed a Quillen seat) receive the same $5,000/year scholarship (stackable with other awards), funded study abroad, and research/enrichment opportunities - meaning a student admitted to the cohort but not selected for the guaranteed medical school spot still gets a genuinely strong four-year experience and funding package. A family should value Quillen Honors Scholars admission itself, not just the slim chance of the guaranteed-seat outcome, when deciding whether to apply.
For students with a serious commitment to rural/Appalachian medicine, the EQUIP program offers a guarantee Quillen Honors Scholars doesn't: acceptance based on completed milestones, not a competitive cohort selection
The College EQUIP program (separate from Quillen Honors Scholars) guarantees Quillen acceptance to any student who completes its full milestone checklist - Appalachian Preceptorship, shadowing, leadership, community involvement, a favorable interview, and Early Decision AMCAS application - with a lower entry bar (3.4 minimum GPA) but a structured, checklist-based guarantee rather than a small competitive cohort. A student who didn't make Quillen Honors Scholars as a freshman, or who develops a strong rural-medicine commitment later in college, should investigate EQUIP eligibility specifically, since it's a second, distinct guaranteed pathway into the same medical school.
Use ETSU's low-bar test-optional general admission, but don't assume "easy to get in" extends to scholarship competitiveness
ETSU's freshman admission only requires a minimum ACT of 17/SAT of 920 if scores are submitted (and scores aren't required for admission at all), but test scores remain required for most scholarship decisions and academic advising placement - a student aiming for merit money should still submit strong scores even though admission itself doesn't require them. A family focused only on "will I get in" risks under-resourcing the separate, more competitive scholarship conversation.
Expert Insight:
A common and costly mix-up is conflating ETSU's own undergraduate admission process (broadly accessible, test-optional, ~85-87% acceptance) with admission to its James H. Quillen College of Medicine (roughly 2% acceptance, holistic MCAT/GPA-based review, heavy preference for Tennessee and Appalachian-region residents) - these are entirely separate institutions-within-an-institution with no automatic connection except through the specific Quillen Honors Scholars or EQUIP pathways described above. A family researching "ETSU medical school chances" using ETSU's general undergraduate acceptance rate is using the wrong number entirely.
ETSU Profile
Full Name
East Tennessee State University (ETSU)
City
Johnson City
State
Tennessee
ZIP Code
37614
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a ETSU Degree Worth It?
Getting into ETSU can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. ETSU offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at ETSU is $47,600 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.16%.
How much does a degree from ETSU Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at East Tennessee State University is $25,947. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at East Tennessee State University is $15,794.
35.2% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 35.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to ETSU and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At East Tennessee State University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist ETSU as your choice in the form.
How much does a ETSU Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $44,859. An average ETSU graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than East Tennessee State University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as East Tennessee State University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than East Tennessee State University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huntingdon College | Montgomery, AL | 1148 | 23 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at ETSU
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About ETSU Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $44,859 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $25,947 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
35.2% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of East Tennessee State University is 87.1% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.33. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.03, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.03, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.93 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.33, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to East Tennessee State University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1114 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 950–1170.
The application deadline for East Tennessee State University is August 20 for Regular applicants.
The application fee for East Tennessee State University is 25. Fee waivers may be available for eligible students.
The scholarship priority deadline is Varies by scholarship program. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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