Johnson City, TN · Private University
Is East Tennessee State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$44,859
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,950
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$13,790
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$55,160
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.25x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
5.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
49.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$19,442
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$15,794
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
East Tennessee State University graduates earn $141 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at East Tennessee State University ranked by graduate earnings
96 graduates
557 graduates
63 graduates
49 graduates
69 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at East Tennessee State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At East Tennessee State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer and Information Sciences, General: $80,549) and the lowest (Music: $20,191) is $60,358/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, GeneralBest ROI | $80,549 | 5.8x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,240 | 4.5x |
| Engineering Technology, General | $60,228 | 4.4x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $54,144 | 3.9x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $52,524 | 3.8x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions(1yr data) | $48,671 | 3.5x |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | $47,832 | 3.5x |
| Public Health | $46,950 | 3.4x |
| Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other | $46,436 | 3.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,055 | 3.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,428 | 2.8x |
| Political Science and Government | $38,197 | 2.8x |
| Social Work | $38,105 | 2.8x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,977 | 2.8x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $37,275 | 2.7x |
| Marketing | $37,181 | 2.7x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | $37,163 | 2.7x |
| Biology, General | $37,032 | 2.7x |
| History | $36,929 | 2.7x |
| Human Services, General | $36,206 | 2.6x |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $34,836 | 2.5x |
| Design and Applied Arts(1yr data) | $34,177 | 2.5x |
| Psychology, General | $34,058 | 2.5x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $33,614 | 2.4x |
| Sociology | $32,114 | 2.3x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $31,624 | 2.3x |
| Graphic Communications | $31,218 | 2.3x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $29,485 | 2.1x |
| MusicLowest | $20,191 | 1.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
East Tennessee State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $44,859 10 years after starting, $141 below the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 5.6 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.