The University of Tennessee-Knoxville vs East Tennessee State University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville comes out ahead: 73/100 to 35/100, a 38-point edge over East Tennessee State University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, East Tennessee State University runs $15,983 a year against $18,976 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville - $2,993 more a year, or about $11,972 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, The University of Tennessee-Knoxville graduates earn a median $60,249 against $44,859 at East Tennessee State University. The cost earns itself back in 8.6 years at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and 20.7 years at East Tennessee State University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave East Tennessee State University owing a median $19,442 versus $20,500 at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.49 and 0.59 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | The University of Tenness... | East Tennessee State Univ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $13,812 | $10,472 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $33,256 | $14,522 |
| Net Price (avg) | $18,976 | $15,983 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $75,904 | $63,932 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $41,600 | $32,700 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $60,249 | $44,859 |
| Graduation Rate | 73.9% | 53.2% |
| Payback Period | 8.6 yr | 20.7 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,500 | $19,442 |
| Monthly Payment | $217 | $206 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.49 | 0.59 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 76.5% | 66.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 73.9% | 57.6% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 41.6% | 86.2% |
| Enrollment | 30,418 | 10,004 |
| SAT Range | 1200-1370 | 980-1200 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | The University of Te... | East Tennessee State... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $10,029 | $12,433 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $12,162 | $14,289 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,206 | $16,400 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $23,627 | $20,588 |
| $110,001+ | $25,688 | $21,193 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | The University of Te... | East Tennessee State... |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | $89,445 | $57,642 |
| Finance and Financial Management | $83,793 | $58,232 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $82,074 | $55,719 |
| Registered Nursing | $77,118 | $74,311 |
| Marketing | $70,661 | $58,583 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $69,047 | $41,449 |
| International Relations | $60,073 | $48,452 |
| Biology | $58,149 | $57,167 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $57,394 | $41,570 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $57,020 | $47,821 |
| Sociology | $53,635 | $36,966 |
| History | $52,505 | $44,142 |
| Mathematics | $50,605 | $49,423 |
| Special Education and Teaching | $50,585 | $44,224 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | $49,785 | $43,051 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | The University of Te... | East Tennessee State... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 73 | 29 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 71 | 25 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 75 | 52 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 84 | 45 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 59 | 30 |
| Overall ROI Score | 73 | 35 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville clearly outperforms East Tennessee State University (73 vs 35), a 38-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless East Tennessee State University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to The University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
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The University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
East Tennessee State University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.