East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is a public university which awarded admission to 11,043 students in the fall of 2023- 9,277 were undergraduates and 1,766 graduates. Out of the total student population around 500 are international students from 50 countries. 

The University follows a semester based calendar and accepts applications for the fall, spring and summer semesters. Admission at ETSU is quite lenient with an acceptance rate of 85.9%. East Tennessee State University offers courses in 140 academic programs to choose from at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels housed across eleven colleges and schools.

International applicants are required to have a TOEFL iBT score 61 for UG and 79 for PG to demonstrate their english proficiency. Due to COVID-19, ACT/ SAT scores are not mandatory for admission. Test scores are still required for scholarships. ETSU will superscore ACT/SAT scores for admission and scholarship decisions. Test-takers should request their scores be sent to ETSU electronically by the test agency.

Highlights

Institute Type Public
Application mode UG- Online/Paper application
PG- Online
Application Fee Undergraduate: 35 USD
Graduate: 65 USD
Acceptance rate 85.9%
Average SAT score 1060
Average ACT score 23
Mode of Payment Debit card/ Credit card/ Check
Academic Calendar Semester based
Intake sessions Fall/Summer/Spring
Mode of Program Full-time/ Online
Financial Aid Scholarships/ Grants/ Work-study/ Loans

East Tennessee State University Application Deadlines

The East Tennessee State University is a reputed name in the US Education System that has a rolling admission policy towards applications. It accepts applications for the fall, spring and summer semesters. The recommended deadlines for applying have been given in the table below:

Semester Deadlines
Fall June 15
Spring October 15
Summer March 15

International Student Admissions

The East Tennessee State University accepts international applicants from students across the world. Students are required to prove their abilities through transcripts and test scores. The application process for international and domestic applicants is similar. However, international applicants will have to meet additional requirements for admission to the University.

Application portal: Online application portal 
Application fee: 35 USD for UG, 65 USD for PG
Basic Admission Requirements:

  • Original or Certified mark sheets of secondary school
  • Scores form English Proficiency examinations
  • Secondary or post secondary academic work required
  • Credential evaluations from other agencies do not substitute for original transcripts
  • If attended a U.S. high school
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Essay/ Personal Statement

English Proficiency Test Scores

International students whose native language is not English must provide scores of English proficiency tests. Students aspiring to take admission to the East Tennessee State University must fulfill one of the following language requirements to prove their skills and proficiency.

Examination Undergraduate requirements Graduate Requirements
TOEFL iBT 61 79 
TOEFL PBT 500 550
IELTS 5.5 6.5
PTE 43 53

Some international applicants will be exempt from this requirement if they fulfill one of the following criteria:

  • Applicants must be from a country where English is the official language.
  • If an applicant has completed at least 2 semesters or 3 quarters of college-level English from U.S. college or university with minimum grade ‘C’ which can be transferred.
  • If an applicant has minimum one year of attendance in a U.S. high school as an exchange student, or graduated from there.

Visa Process for International Students

All students who come to the U.S. for studying must have either an F-1 or J-1 student visa to study in the USA. Before arrival at the U.S. students must make sure that they carry the SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the University. The process for applying for the visa is described below:

  • Once accepted by the school, you will be enrolled in the Student Exchange Visitor information system (SEVIS)
  • ETSU will provide you with form I-20 or DS-2019 after your enrollment
  • Pay the SEVIS fee
  • The school then provides you with a form I-20 to present in the Visa Interview
  • Schedule your Visa appointment with the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country.

Documents to be carried when going for the Visa interview include:

  • Passport
  • Certificate of eligibility : I-20 or DS-2019
  • Proof of enrollment
  • Evidence of financial support
  • Visa application forms
  • Health Insurance
  • SEVIS fee receipt

East Tennessee State University Undergraduate Admissions

East Tennessee State University offers UG courses in more than 100 academic programs through majors and minors ranging from English major, Media and Communication, Engineering Technology etc. The application process for the undergraduate degree courses is mentioned below:

Application portal: Online Portal
Application fee: 35 USD
Admission Requirements: 

  • Official transcripts from high school
  • Test score of ACT/SAT
  • ACT/SAT scores required
  • English proficiency test scores
  • GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 

East Tennessee State University Graduate Admissions

The East Tennessee State University offers PG courses in over 130 programs. International applicants for the graduate programs can submit apply through the online portal with an application fee of 65 USD, official transcripts,a mnimum GPA of 3.0 on scale 4.0, and a personal statement of stating why you wish to pursue the program. Mentioned below are the course specific admission requirements for graduate programs:

Requirements MBA Masters in Media and Brand Strategy M.S. in Digital Marketing Master of Arts Communications Master of Arts English
Application Deadline Rolling admission May 1 – Fall
October 1- Spring
April 30 - Fall March 1- Fall (Recommended)
October 1- Spring
May 1 – Fall
February 1 – Summer
October 1 - Spring
GRE/ GMAT scores Minimum GMAT score 450 Not required Not required Required Not required
Resume/CV Not required Not required Optional Required Not Required
Letter of Recommendation Not required 3 3 3 3
Writing Sample Not required Not required Not required 1500-2000 word essay on uses of storytelling and communication in a particular domain Required, at least 10 pages
Interview Not required Not required Not required Required Not required
Statement of Purpose Not required 1000-1500 words of describing applicant’s goals (Optional) Not Required Required Not required

The retention rate of the university is 78% and the graduation rate is 38.8%. With a good faculty to student ratio and a great campus like East Tennessee State University’s students get a lot to learn. Students are encouraged to fill applications as early as possible, undergraduate applications are available both online and offline but graduate applications are only available offline.

If an applicant does not receive any notification confirming that their application has been received, it is because either some documents were missing or the application fee was not paid. Applicants can check the status of their applications by using the ETSU username and ID that will be emailed to them.

FAQs

Ques. Does East Tennessee State University require an essay?

Ans. A personal essay is a mandatory requirement for applying to the East Tennessee State University. It is also an important deciding factor and must reflect the true picture of the academic background, future goals and reason for selection of the program and university.

Ques. Is there an application fee for applying to the East Tennessee State University?

Ans. Yes, East Tennessee State University charges an application fee from all applicants. The application fees for international and domestic applicants are different. Undergraduate application fee for international students is 35 USD whereas for domestic students it is 25 USD and for graduate programs 65 USD.

Ques. What is the process for confirmation of admission to the East Tennessee State University?

Ans. To confirm admission to the East Tennessee State University students must accept the offer by confirming registration and paying the enrollment fees as soon as possible.

Ques. How can I track the status of my admission application to East Tennessee State University?

Ans. An applicant can track the status of their admission at East Tennessee State University using the ETSU Admissions Self Service. Once the University receives the application, username and ID will be emailed to them using which they can check the application status through the portal.

Ques. Will I be notified when my application is received by the East Tennessee State University?

Ans. Yes, applicants whose applications have been successful and received by the electronic review system will be notified by the East Tennessee State University. If an applicant does not receive any notification regarding the their applications it is because either some documents were missing or the application fee was not paid.