JOHNSON CITY – When it comes to the universities graduating students with the least amount of debt, East Tennessee State University is now nationally ranked.
This month, U.S. News & World Report released its 2022-2023 report, a sweeping summary
on a range of data from 1,500 colleges across the United States.
ETSU is ranked in the top 100 in the “least debt” category, running ahead of several
universities in Tennessee and the Appalachian Highlands. That puts ETSU in the top
10% in the nation, per the rankings.
“The ranking from U.S. News & World Report confirms what so many already knew,” said
ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “ETSU offers an excellent and affordable education
that positions our graduates for success with less debt and remarkable opportunities
in and out of the classroom.”
At ETSU, 84% of students receive some form of financial assistance. Nearly half of
students graduate with no debt.
ETSU has taken extraordinary steps to make the institution more affordable.
The university’s Board of Trustees previously voted not to increase tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year. Thanks to the Tennessee State Legislature and Gov.
Bill Lee, ETSU students saw a surge in Tennessee HOPE (Lottery) Scholarship funding
for the fall 2022 semester.
ETSU has also sought to make the financial aid process smoother for both students
and their families.
Financial Aid and Scholarships offers a 24/7 “chatbot” service named Bucky, as well
as Financial Aid TV. In addition, ETSU provides students a personal financial aid
counselor. These resources and more are available at etsu.edu/financial-aid-and-scholarships.
ETSU offers an excellent and affordable education that positions our graduates for
success with less debt and remarkable opportunities in and out of the classroom
The U.S. News & World Report ranking comes only a few weeks after the university announced
that enrollment was rising at ETSU, up 23% from 2020.