UTC-Chattanooga vs East Tennessee State University (ETSU)

Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) and East Tennessee State University (ETSU) stand as two prominent institutions of higher learning, each offering unique educational experiences. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. UTC boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for prospective students. ETSU, on the other hand, offers a wider range of undergraduate programs, including popular majors like nursing and allied health. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details, such as student body demographics, graduation rates, and more, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.

	East Tennessee State University	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga
Overview
Location	Johnson City, Tennessee	Chattanooga, Tennessee
Campus setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
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	67.0%	73.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	87.4%	85.7%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $25 Graduate: $55	Undergraduate: $30 Graduate: $35
SAT range	N/A	1030 - 1230
ACT range	19 - 26	20 - 26
Students submitting SAT score		5.0%
Students submitting ACT score	80.0%	89.0%
Total number of applicants	8,563	7,607
Total number of admissions given out	7,484	6,518
Admitted students who chose to enroll	1,856	2,074
Yield rate	24.8%	31.8%
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: $28,704 Out of state: $32,006	In state: $24,798 Out of state: $40,916
Average net price	$14,482	$13,552
Tuition	In state: $7,486 Out of state: $10,788	In state: $7,992 Out of state: $24,110
Room & board	$9,582	Room/dormitory: $6,348 Meal plan: $4,114
Available payment plans	Prepaid tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	97.0% Average amount $9,541	96.0% Average amount $9,566
Students receiving federal student loan	34.0% Average amount $6,489	44.0% Average amount $4,907
Students taking out private loans	4.0% Average amount $13,366	4.0% Average amount $10,148

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	10,316 Men 38.3% Women 61.7%	10,016 Men 41.7% Women 58.3%
Graduate students	2,987 Men 30.7% Women 69.3%	1,441 Men 40.0% Women 60.0%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Low
Out-of-state students	22.1%	11.5%
International students	2.0%	1.2%
Campus local/setting	City: Small	City: Midsize
Dormitory capacity	2,833	3,488
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Tennessee North Carolina Virginia South Carolina Georgia	Tennessee Georgia Alabama Virgin Islands California

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Education Public Administration and Social Service Kinesiology & Leisure Studies Business	Health Professions Engineering Business Education Engineering Technologies
Students to faculty ratio	15:1	18:1
Institutional accreditation	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome
Graduation rate	50.6%	53.7%
Dropout rate	21.3%	44.3%
Transferred out	25.2%	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	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	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $146,119 Year 2: $145,898 Year 3: $147,996 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $74,736 Year 2: $76,041 Year 3: $80,605 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,245 Year 2: $72,883 Year 3: $78,427 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,841 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $74,942 Psychology, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $40,600 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $73,667 Civil Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,404 Year 2: $62,012 Year 3: $71,084 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $65,427 Year 2: $67,324 Year 3: $70,983 Engineering, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $54,615 Year 2: $69,338 Year 3: $69,556 Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $68,269 Year 2: $71,255 Year 3: $69,322 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,241 Year 2: $57,318 Year 3: $61,753

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between UTC and ETSU?

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga (UTC) is a mid-sized, urban university located in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee. It's known for its strong engineering, nursing, and business programs, and its close ties to the city's vibrant business community. East Tennessee State University (ETSU), on the other hand, is a larger, more comprehensive university located in Johnson City, Tennessee. ETSU is recognized for its health sciences, education, and Appalachian studies programs, and its strong focus on research and community engagement in the Appalachian region.
Which university is located in a larger city?

UTC is located in Chattanooga, which is a larger city than Johnson City, where ETSU is located. Chattanooga offers a wider range of cultural attractions, entertainment options, and job opportunities, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors.
How do the academic programs at UTC and ETSU compare?

Both UTC and ETSU offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. UTC excels in engineering, nursing, and business, with strong connections to local industries. ETSU is particularly strong in health sciences, education, and Appalachian studies, with a focus on research and service in the Appalachian region. Consider your specific academic interests when making your decision.
What is the campus environment like at UTC and ETSU?

UTC has a more urban campus environment, integrated into the downtown Chattanooga area. This provides students with easy access to city amenities and internship opportunities. ETSU has a more traditional, self-contained campus in Johnson City, offering a more classic college town experience with a strong sense of community.
Which university has a stronger focus on research?

ETSU generally has a stronger emphasis on research, particularly in the health sciences and Appalachian studies. They have numerous research centers and institutes, and actively encourage undergraduate and graduate students to participate in research projects. While UTC also conducts research, ETSU's research profile is generally higher.
How do the costs of attending UTC and ETSU compare?

Tuition and fees at UTC and ETSU are generally comparable for in-state students. However, out-of-state tuition may vary. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date information on tuition, fees, and financial aid opportunities. Also, consider the cost of living in Chattanooga versus Johnson City, as this can impact your overall expenses.
What are the athletic programs like at UTC and ETSU?

Both UTC and ETSU have NCAA Division I athletic programs. UTC's athletic teams are known as the Mocs (Moccasins), and they compete in the Southern Conference. ETSU's athletic teams are known as the Buccaneers, and they compete in the Southern Conference as well. Both universities offer a variety of sports for men and women, and have a strong tradition of athletic competition.
Which university is better for students interested in outdoor activities?

Both UTC and ETSU offer opportunities for outdoor activities, but the surrounding landscapes differ. Chattanooga, near UTC, is known for its rock climbing, hiking, and water sports on the Tennessee River. Johnson City, near ETSU, is located in the Appalachian Mountains, offering access to hiking, camping, and skiing. Your preference for specific outdoor activities should guide your choice.
How do the student populations at UTC and ETSU compare?

ETSU generally has a larger student population than UTC. This can impact class sizes and the overall campus atmosphere. UTC's smaller size may offer a more personalized learning experience, while ETSU's larger size may provide a wider range of student organizations and activities.
What kind of career services and internship opportunities are available at each university?

Both UTC and ETSU offer career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview skills. UTC's location in Chattanooga provides access to internships and job opportunities in a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. ETSU's location in Johnson City offers opportunities in healthcare, education, and government sectors, particularly within the Appalachian region. Both universities also have strong alumni networks that can assist with career development.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.