ETSU cuts tuition nearly in half for active-duty military students utilizing Department of Defense Tuition Assistance
Active-duty military students at East Tennessee State University will see their tuition rate drop by nearly half this fall, following action taken today by the ETSU Board of Trustees.
The board approved a new tuition structure that lowers the per-credit-hour rate for active-duty military undergraduate students utilizing Department of Defense Tuition Assistance to no more than $250. It’s a move aimed at expanding access and honoring the service of those in uniform.
The action comes a few weeks after the university secured gold status for its commitment to veterans, active service members and military-affiliated students.
“This is a significant step forward in our commitment to military-connected students,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “These men and women are serving our country while advancing their education. We owe them an affordable and accessible path worthy of their sacrifice.”
The board also approved a 4.98% increase in tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate students, a figure well below the 6.5% maximum authorized earlier this year by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
The increase will help fund employee salary enhancements and address rising operational costs. ETSU is required to cover 45% of the salary pool outlined in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s budget for higher education.
“Even with this increase, ETSU remains one of the most affordable universities in Tennessee,” Noland said. “We are focused on delivering a high-quality education while ensuring that faculty and staff are supported and students have the resources they need to thrive.”
Key facts:
- ETSU has consistently ranked among the top 10% of U.S. colleges for students graduating with the least debt.
- Nearly half of all ETSU students graduate with no student loan debt at all.
- Approximately 85% of ETSU students receive some form of financial aid.
Noland emphasized that while costs are rising, so is ETSU’s commitment to helping students manage.
“For those students and families who want to pursue an education at ETSU but are concerned about cost, I would encourage them to reach out to our team to have a conversation,” Noland said. “Very few students pay the ‘sticker price,’ and we have numerous options to help students pay for college. Our admissions team and financial aid counselors can help you find a path forward.”
Additionally, during today’s meeting, the board approved the tenure and promotion of more than 60 ETSU faculty. The board also approved a Letter of Notification to establish a new Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality and Tourism Management — a first step toward launching a program that supports one of the region’s fastest-growing industries.
The board further elected new officers during today’s meeting, including Melissa Steagall-Jones as chair, Steve DeCarlo as vice-chair and Janet Ayers as the member-at-large.
Need assistance?
- The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides personal counselors to answer questions and help current and potential students identify funding opportunities. Walk-ins are welcome at the physical office (room 105 in Burgin Dossett Hall on ETSU’s main campus). Otherwise, visit this counselor page to make an appointment.
- For veterans or active-duty military members with questions, visit the Military and Veteran Services website or contact va@etsu.edu or (423) 439-6819.
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions can assist with any admissions-related inquiries. Call them at (423) 439-4213 or email admissions@etsu.edu.
This is a significant step forward in our commitment to military-connected students.
These men and women are serving our country while advancing their education. We owe
them an affordable and accessible path worthy of their sacrifice.
East Tennessee State University was founded in 1911 with a singular mission: to improve the quality of life for people in the region and beyond. Through its world-class health sciences programs and interprofessional approach to health care education, ETSU is a highly respected leader in rural health research and practices. The university also boasts nationally ranked programs in the arts, technology, computing, and media studies. ETSU serves approximately 14,000 students each year and is ranked among the top 10 percent of colleges in the nation for students graduating with the least amount of debt.
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