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Belmont University vs East Tennessee State University

Belmont University is a private university in Nashville, TN, and East Tennessee State University is a public university in Johnson City, TN. East Tennessee State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 86% of applicants against 95% at Belmont University. East Tennessee State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $15,983 a year against $33,147 at Belmont University. About 71% of students graduate at Belmont University, compared with 52% at East Tennessee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Belmont University alumni earn a median of about $55,930, against $44,859 for East Tennessee State University.

Belmont University

Nashville, TN · Private

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Nashville, TN
Johnson City, TN
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
7,137
10,004
Acceptance rate
95%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.23–3.73
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
1160–1350
980–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
24–30
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$33,147
$15,983
Full cost / yr
$62,570
$27,042
In-state tuition
$42,540
$10,472
Out-of-state tuition
$42,540
$14,522
Application fee
$50
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,950
$12,433
$30k - $48k
$24,723
$14,289
$48k - $75k
$28,009
$16,400
$75k - $110k
$32,153
$20,588
Over $110k
$43,606
$21,193
Outcomes
Graduation rate
71%
52%
Freshman retention
87%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$42,770
$38,704
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,930
$44,859
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$19,442
Student body
Pell grant recipients
21%
35%
First-generation students
16%
38%
International students
1%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Mar 1
Aug 22

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Belmont University or East Tennessee State University harder to get into?
East Tennessee State University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 95% at Belmont University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Belmont University or East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,983 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $33,147 at Belmont University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Belmont University and East Tennessee State University?
Before aid, East Tennessee State University costs about $27,042 a year and Belmont University about $62,570. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Belmont University or East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,433 there, against about $22,950 at Belmont University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Belmont University or East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 10,004 undergraduates against 7,137 at Belmont University.
Does Belmont University or East Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
Belmont University has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 52% at East Tennessee State University.
Do graduates of Belmont University or East Tennessee State University earn more?
Belmont University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,930 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,859 for East Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Belmont University and East Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Belmont University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. East Tennessee State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Belmont University and East Tennessee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1160–1350 at Belmont University and 980–1200 at East Tennessee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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