App State vs East Tennessee State University (ETSU)

Appalachian State University and East Tennessee State University, both located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, offer distinct educational experiences. Appalachian State, nestled in Boone, North Carolina, boasts a higher acceptance rate, attracting a diverse student body with a strong focus on undergraduate teaching. East Tennessee State, situated in Johnson City, Tennessee, offers a more selective admissions process, resulting in a smaller student body and a greater emphasis on research opportunities. While both universities excel in various academic programs, Appalachian State is renowned for its strengths in music, education, and health professions, while East Tennessee State shines in nursing, allied health, and business. Explore the detailed comparison table to discover further differences in acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates, helping you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	Appalachian State University	East Tennessee State University
Overview
Location	Boone, North Carolina	Johnson City, Tennessee
Campus setting	Town: Distant	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	86.0%	67.0%
Common app member	Yes	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	84.7%	87.4%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $65 Graduate: $65	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $55
SAT range	1130 - 1300	N/A
ACT range	24 - 29	19 - 26
Students submitting SAT score	9.0%
Students submitting ACT score	23.0%	80.0%
Total number of applicants	21,120	8,563
Total number of admissions given out	17,886	7,484
Admitted students who chose to enroll	4,099	1,856
Yield rate	22.9%	24.8%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Required	Required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $22,220 Out of state: $37,827	In state: $28,704 Out of state: $32,006
Average net price	$12,735	$14,482
Tuition	In state: $4,242 Out of state: $19,849	In state: $7,486 Out of state: $10,788
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $5,595 Meal plan: $4,086	$9,582
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Other alternative tuition plan	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	54.0% Average amount $7,652	97.0% Average amount $9,541
Students receiving federal student loan	45.0% Average amount $5,054	34.0% Average amount $6,489
Students taking out private loans	7.0% Average amount $12,285	4.0% Average amount $13,366

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	18,555 Men 43.3% Women 56.7%	10,316 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%
Graduate students	2,086 Men 29.6% Women 70.4%	2,987 Men 30.7% Women 69.3%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	10.5%	22.1%
International students	0.5%	2.0%
Campus local/setting	Town: Distant	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	5,971	2,833
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	North Carolina South Carolina Virginia Georgia Florida	Tennessee North Carolina Virginia South Carolina Georgia

Academics
Popular study areas	Education Health Professions Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Visual & Performing Arts Public Administration and Social Service	Health Professions Education Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	15:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	72.7%	50.6%
Dropout rate	7.6%	21.3%
Transferred out	18.3%	25.2%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $60,824 Year 2: $60,623 Year 3: $79,392 Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: $70,638 Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,462 Year 2: $54,382 Year 3: $67,337 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,036 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $65,634 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $57,587 Year 2: $49,084 Year 3: $63,376 Construction Management (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $56,322 Year 2: $55,693 Year 3: $60,614 Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $40,088 Year 2: $44,989 Year 3: $59,659 Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $44,199 Year 2: $54,296 Year 3: $59,624 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $59,623 Year 2: $56,415 Year 3: $58,316 Public Administration (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $46,799 Year 2: $54,635 Year 3: $57,400	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $105,882 Year 2: $117,477 Year 3: $121,003 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $87,648 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $101,627 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,704 Year 2: $87,604 Year 3: $92,942 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $69,704 Year 2: $70,009 Year 3: $77,994 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $71,980 Year 2: $68,592 Year 3: $75,044 Medicine (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $53,417 Year 2: $55,286 Year 3: $71,655 Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $48,748 Year 2: $54,748 Year 3: $69,192 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $50,234 Year 2: $56,867 Year 3: $66,513 Public Health (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $45,737 Year 2: $44,971 Year 3: $59,138 Engineering Technology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $51,039 Year 2: $52,107 Year 3: $58,679

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between Appalachian State University and East Tennessee State University?

Appalachian State University (App State) is located in Boone, North Carolina, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This provides a quintessential mountain town experience with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and a close-knit community feel. East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is situated in Johnson City, Tennessee, also in the Appalachian region, but in a more urban setting. Johnson City offers a wider range of city amenities and a slightly more diverse population compared to Boone.
How do the academic programs at Appalachian State and East Tennessee State compare?

Both universities offer a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. App State is particularly well-regarded for its programs in education, business, and sustainable development. ETSU has strong programs in health sciences, including medicine, pharmacy, and nursing, as well as a notable focus on the arts and humanities. Consider your specific academic interests when comparing programs, as strengths vary between departments at each institution.
What is the cost of attendance like at Appalachian State and East Tennessee State?

Generally, both universities offer relatively affordable tuition rates compared to many other four-year institutions. However, specific costs can vary depending on residency status (in-state vs. out-of-state), the chosen program of study, and living expenses. It's recommended to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, as well as details on financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
What are the student life and extracurricular activities like at Appalachian State and East Tennessee State?

Both universities offer a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, organizations, and activities. App State's student life is heavily influenced by its mountain location, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation clubs and activities. ETSU offers a broader range of activities, including a more diverse selection of Greek life and a larger student body, leading to a wider variety of social opportunities. Both schools have active athletic programs, with App State competing in the Sun Belt Conference and ETSU in the Southern Conference.
How do the admission requirements differ between Appalachian State and East Tennessee State?

Admission requirements are similar, with both universities considering factors such as high school GPA, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and extracurricular activities. However, admission standards can fluctuate year to year. App State is generally considered to be slightly more selective than ETSU. It's crucial to review the specific admission requirements and deadlines on each university's website and to submit a strong application that highlights your academic achievements and extracurricular involvement.
Which university is better for someone interested in outdoor recreation?

Appalachian State University is the clear choice for students passionate about outdoor recreation. Its location in Boone provides immediate access to hiking trails, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. While ETSU is also located in the Appalachian region, the proximity to outdoor opportunities is not as immediate or extensive as it is at App State.
How do the career services and job placement rates compare at Appalachian State and East Tennessee State?

Both universities offer career services to assist students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. While specific job placement rates can vary by program and year, both institutions have established networks with employers. App State's career services often leverage its strong alumni network and connections within the North Carolina business community. ETSU's career services benefit from its location and connections within the broader East Tennessee region, including the healthcare industry.
What is the overall campus culture like at Appalachian State and East Tennessee State?

App State is known for its strong sense of community, a focus on sustainability, and a more laid-back atmosphere. The campus culture is often described as friendly and welcoming. ETSU has a more diverse student body and a slightly more urban feel, with a broader range of social and cultural activities. Both universities foster a supportive environment for students, but the specific culture will likely resonate differently with each individual.
Which university is better for someone seeking a pre-med or health sciences program?

East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is generally considered the stronger choice for students interested in pre-med or health sciences programs. ETSU has a medical school, a pharmacy school, and a strong nursing program, providing students with excellent opportunities for hands-on experience and research. While App State offers pre-health tracks, it does not have the same breadth of health sciences programs as ETSU.
How do the athletic programs compare at Appalachian State and East Tennessee State?

Both universities have competitive athletic programs. Appalachian State University's football team has achieved significant success in recent years, including a notable upset victory over Michigan. ETSU's athletic programs also compete at a high level, with strong teams in various sports. The specific sports offered and the level of competition may vary, so it's best to check the official athletic websites for the most up-to-date information.

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