Admissions

With over 15,000 students, East Tennessee State University presents a broad range of high-quality, fully accredited undergraduate and graduate programs. While the majority of students are from the state of Tennessee, students are enrolled from around the United States and many other countries.

Admission is available to degree-seeking undergraduates based upon a review of grades in high school courses, grades in college courses, scores on the ACT or SAT examination, and completion of specific high school courses in light of admission requirements. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Office of Admissions website for complete information on requirements and the application process.

The application for admissions is available online and in a downloadable paper form on the web at the Office of Admissions website. Students are encouraged to apply using the online application form. Official copies of transcripts (sent directly from the school or college or testing agency) are required and should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Examination results from the ACT or SAT are accepted if provided on the official high school transcript. For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions.

The Tennessee State Legislature enacted legislation entitled the Tennessee Eligibility Verification for Entitlements Act (EVEA), Tennessee Public Chapter No. 1061-SB No. 1325. All state public institutions of higher education in Tennessee must verify that students who receive state public benefits are U.S. citizens or lawfully present in the United States. Applicants must provide the Office of Admissions with this documentation. Contact the Office of Admissions for other acceptable documents.
 

US Citizens applicants can provide:

• A valid driver license or photo identification license from any state (except Utah and New Mexico);

• An official birth certificate issued by a U.S. state, jurisdiction, or territory, except for Puerto Rican birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010;

• A U.S. government-issued certified birth certificate;

• A valid, unexpired U.S. passport;

Applicants claiming to be an alien lawfully present in the United States can provide two of the following:

• Valid U.S. driver’s license or U.S. state photo identification card;

• U.S. permanent resident card (I-151, I-551, or I-551C);

• Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit (I-327); 

• Employment Authorization Form (Form I-766); 

• Valid unexpired foreign passport with valid visa;

• DS-2019 or IAP-66 (for J-1 Visa Holders); 

• Non-Resident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card;

• Certificate of Eligibility for Student Status (I-20);

Applications for admission and fee payment classifications must be approved by the last day of registration (official census date) of a semester in order to be effective that semester. Immunization requirements are found under Policies and Procedures  - health.

Complete and Correct Application Information
Applicants seeking admission to ETSU should be aware that failure to submit correct and complete application information shall be considered utterance of a false oath on an official document and may be ineligible for admission, or may be denied continuation of studies at the university, or may result in the immediate dismissal of a student without refund of fees, as determined by a judicial review board.
 

High School Transcript Verification Policy

Acceptable Formats

• An official transcript is one which is validated, issued, and mailed directly by the previous institution in a sealed institutional envelope to the Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 70731, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614. Tennessee Board of Regents institutions may provide Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transcripts per TBR policy.
• We do not accept faxed transcripts.
• We will accept electronic transcripts sent through a recognized third party transcript provider.

Inspection Process

• If a school has a CEEB code, then we typically accept the credentials unless we have reason to suspect fraud.
• We check each transcript for the school seal and/or signature to determine if the transcript is official.
• We generally do not accept any copies of transcripts.

Verification of Educational Credentials

• If we receive a transcript from a school that does not have a CEEB code, then research is completed to determine if the school is recognized by the Department of Education in the state.
• We may also check the appropriate regional accrediting commissions in the United States; some list secondary schools.
• If a school is not recognized by a department of education or has no physical address, then we research, usually on the web, to determine if this is a for profit school or a diploma mill. Presenters of such diplomas would be required to complete the HSE examination for admission consideration.
• We verify standards of non-public schools through a list provided by the State Department of Education.

Home Schooled Students

• The transcript/diploma of a Tennessee home-schooled student must be an official copy from an approved home school organization as defined by state law (Tennessee Code Annotated 49-50-801) or be accompanied by a certification of registration from the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend.

International Students

• International admission requires a certified, translated transcript; a transcript in the original language maybe required.

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 70731
106 Burgin E Dossett Hall
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN 37614-1710
Email: go2etsu@etsu.edu

Phone: 423-439-4312, or toll-free 1-800-462-3878

Freshman Admission

Admission will be granted to freshman applicants who hold a regular, state, or honor diploma. The diploma will reflect a distribution of college preparatory courses, such as those required int he core elements of the Tennessee High School Diploma.

• Grade point average - 2.3 on a 4.0 scale, or

• ACT composite score of 19 or higher.

The following high school units are required for freshman admission for applicants not yet 21 years of age who graduated high school in 2012 or before. 

The following high school units are required for freshman admission for applicants not yet 21 years of age who graduated high school in 2013 and after.

• Grade Point average - 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or

• ACT composite score of 19 or higher

Graduates of Tennessee public high schools must provide a transcript certifying successful completion of the Tennessee Gateway examinations in mathematics, language and science.

Tennessee home-schooled students must provide an official transcript from an affiliated organization as defined by the state law (Tennessee Code Annotated 49-50-801) or be accompanied by certification or registration with the local education agency which the student would otherwise attend.

Application deadline dates must be met. No applications will be processed for a semester after the last day of regular registrations. Admission to the university does not fulfill admission requirements to every academic major. Students should review academic departmental requirements for their major.

An official transcript is one which is validated, issued, and mailed directly by the previous institution in a sealed institutional envelope to the Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 70731, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614. Tennessee Board of Regents institutions may provide Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transcripts per TBR policy.

Admission by Exception

Freshman applicants under age 21 who are deficient in high school units may be admitted under special circumstances based upon ACT or SAT scores and high school grade point average. The requirements include:

1. Minimum ACT composite of 21 (or equivalent SAT) - up to two unit deficiencies

2. ACT composite of 19 or 20 (or equivalent SAT) and a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale - up to two unit deficiencies - admission determined by review - chaired by Vice Provost

Alternative Admission

A limited number of freshman positions may be considered for applicants under the age 21 who do not meet the requirements outlined above. Alternate admission positions will be considered for those who meet the following standards:

1. Tennessee residents - minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of at least 17(or equivalent SAT)

2. Non-Residents of Tennessee - minimum high school GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of 19 or higher (or equivalent SAT)

Freshman Admission (over age 21)

Freshman applicants age 21 or older who are graduates of high schools and hold a regular, state, or honors diploma are eligible to apply for admission. Graduates of Tennessee public high schools must provide a transcript certifying satisfactory performance on the Tennessee Gateway Tests in Mathematics, Language, and Science. Admitted students age 21 or older may be subject to required units based on the year of high school graduation. Admitted students over age 21 without recent ACT/SAT scores will be required to complete the COMPASS examination.

Admission with the HSE (High School Equivalency Diploma)

Freshman applicants age 18 or older may apply on the basis of scores earned on the HSE (High School Equivalency Diploma) test of the American Council on Education. In addition, those under age 21 must provide ACT or SAT test results. Applicants with a HSE must provide an official transcript of any high school courses completed and are subject to specific unit requirements.

• HSE prior to January 1, 1997 - Average score 45 with no single score below 35

• HSE January 1, 1997 and thereafter - Average score 45 with no single score below 40

• HSE 2003 series or thereafter - Average score 450 with a minimum of 410 on each test in the battery

Unit requirements include two units of the same foreign language if HSE earned in 1989-1992; HSE in 1993 or thereafter, are subject to two units of the same foreign language and a unit of visual and performing arts. Admitted students may make up unit deficiencies in the first 60 semester hours of enrollment.

International Student Admission

International students are required to submit official proof of successful completion of secondary education. Applicants who attended or are attending college or university must submit official transcripts from all institutions.

ETSU requires official ACT or SAT scores from international freshman applicants under the age of 21 who graduated from a U.S. high school.

ETSU does not require ACT or SAT scores for admission purposes from international freshman applicants who successfully complete secondary education in countries other than the U.S.
 

Admission credentials must also include evidence of capability to meet financial obligations relating to study at the university. Transfer credit awarded on the basis of educational experiences outside of the United States, including Examination Results, carries a grade notation of ‘P’ for passed hours.
If English is not the native language, students may be required to take an English placement exam when they arrive on campus. Students who cannot demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in English may be offered conditional admission to study English at the ELS, Johnson City Center on ETSU’s campus.

Admission must be granted and financial documentation and degree confirmation must be received prior to issuance of an I-20 or IAP-66 form needed to obtain a visa. The university will adhere to all Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), Department of Homeland Security and Department of State Regulations in the admission, enrollment, and readmission of international, nonimmigrant applicants

Please note: ACT/SAT scores may be recommended or required if:

• the applicant is applying for competitive scholarships;

• the applicant is applying for admission into a specific program; 

• the applicant believes test scores provide further evidence of academic ability; or

• the applicant is a prospective student-athlete.

Information about programs that require ACT/SAT scores is available on the websites that describe the program. Students may consult with Admissions, International Programs & Services, or the particular program of interest

Transfer Admission

Students who have completed registration at any degree granting institution of higher education must report this fact on the application for admission. In addition, official transcripts from each institution attended must be sent to the Office of Admissions. Admission as a transfer student does not ensure admission to all academic majors. Acceptance into certain programs may include additional requirements.

An official transcript is one which is validated, issued, and mailed directly by the previous institution in a sealed institutional envelope to the Office of Admissions, P.O. Box 70731, ETSU, Johnson City, TN 37614. Tennessee Board of Regents institutions may provide Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) transcripts per TBR policy.

Dual Admission for Tennessee Community College Students

Dual admission provides an opportunity for some Tennessee community college students to be admitted to the university early during the community college enrollment. Those who plan to earn the A.A, A.S. or A.S.T. may be advised by the university faculty throughout the collegiate experience to ensure ease of transition and appropriate course completion.

Tennessee Transfer Pathway

Beginning Fall 2011, a student who completes all the courses listed on a particular Transfer Pathway will earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at the community college. When the student transfers to a Tennessee public university the transcript will certify that the pathway has been followed. The student is guaranteed that all the community college courses taken will be accepted at the university and the courses will count toward completion of the particular major. Please see www.tntransferpathway.org/ for more details.

Advanced Standing Credit

ETSU will review for possible credit courses earned from all institutions of higher education previously attended, advanced placement or other examinations, training provided by non-collegiate institutions, or experiential learning. Consideration will be given to the appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned to the programs offered by ETSU in light of the student’s educational goals. Transfer credit earned from colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (or corresponding agencies for other states and regions of the United States) will be considered for direct application toward a degree. The Office of Admissions will evaluate undergraduate credits for university-wide use. This evaluation will be made using historical precedent, current articulated program information, and/or review by the appropriate ETSU college dean and faculty. Credit from courses completed at institutions not regionally accredited as described above, advanced placement or other examinations, training provided by non-collegiate institutions, or experiential learning will be reviewed according to established practice.

Non-Traditional Credit Categories

• Credit for Service in the Armed Services

• Dantes - Subject Standardized Tests (ETS)

• Advanced Placement (AP of the College Board)

• ACT/SAT Credit for Freshman English

• International Baccalaureate

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

• Departmental Course Challenge Examinations

• Excelsior College Examination

• University Credit for Experiential Learning

• Credit from Non-Regionally Accredited Institutions

Note: Experiential Learning is considered for application to the Bachelor of General Studies, Bachelor of Professional Studies, and Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies programs.

Additional Transfer Information

Applicants holding an associate’s degree designed for transfer to a university are granted credit toward completion of the baccalaureate degree for appropriate courses completed for the associate’s degree program. Applicants holding an associate’s degree not designed for transfer to a university are granted credit for level-one (freshman and sophomore) courses that are equivalent to level-one courses offered by the university.

The grade point average (GPA) for transfer admission purposes is computed according to the ETSU GPA calculation policy, including repeated courses. However, ETSU does not recognize forgiveness policies or academic bankruptcies administered by other institutions. In the case of the application of such a policy prior to transfer, all grades are treated at their original face value. If original grades are not reported on official transcripts, then all previous courses are assumed to have been failed.

Transfer students with fewer than 60 semester hours of credit who have not successfully completed college-level math or English credit must complete the COMPASS assessment in the appropriate area(s). Assessment in reading may be required.

All transfer applicants should request that the registrar of each college attended send an official transcript to the ETSU Office of Admissions. Students who began college fall 1989 and thereafter should request that both college and high school transcripts be sent to the Office of Admissions.

Postsecondary Transfer Credit Requirements 

Transfer applicants must meet specific grade point average requirements based upon the attempted semester hours according to the following: 

Deadlines for Transfer Applicants require completion of the application process including receipt of all official high school and college transcripts. Late applications will be reviewed at the discretion of the Vice-Provost or designee.

Fall Semester - August 15th Deadline
Spring Semester- December 15th Deadline

Transfer applicants who do not meet the standards outlined above and who have not been enrolled in any institution of higher education for a minimum of three years may receive individual review by the Vice Provost of designee. If no transferable hours have been attempted, admission may be determined by a review of high school credentials, standardized test scores, and/or coursework completed at any degree granting institution of higher education.
Remedial and developmental courses are not used in determining eligibility for transfer admission. Applicants who have enrolled for one term only at any other college or university without obtaining the required GPA for transfer and who meet regular freshman admission standards or admission by exception standards may be admitted on appropriate academic probation. Students are subject to existing regulations regarding removal of probationary status.

Transfer Procedure

• Fully apply by the deadline date

• Provide official college transcripts (validated and mailed directly or provided through an acceptable third-party electronic transcript provider) to the Office of Admissions by the deadline date

• Provide official high school transcripts or partial transcript and HSE, if applicable, by the deadline date. NOTE: High school transcripts are not required for high school graduates prior to 1989.

Academic Fresh Start

Academic Fresh Start is a plan of academic forgiveness provided for students who have a record of poor academic performance. This program is designed to assist students by allowing calculation of grade point average and credit hours toward graduation to be based only on work completed after returning to college under the Academic Fresh Start policy. A period of no less than four years must have elapsed since the candidate was last enrolled in a higher education institution. A student may be granted an Academic Fresh Start only once.

Fresh Start Eligibility

• Candidates must be undergraduate lower division students and may have attempted no more than 60 hours including remedial and developmental courses.

• A period of no less than for years (48) months must have elapsed since the candidate last attended a higher education institution.

• Candidates may apply for Academic Fresh Start prior to re-enrollment or any time prior to the completion of 15 semester hours of credit after re-enrollment.

• The candidate may never have been granted academic forgiveness according to this or a similar provision at any institution of higher education. 

Procedure

Those meeting the above criteria must complete and file the Academic Fresh Start Contract form and the appropriate application for admission.

Policy Provisions

• Candidates must meet all conditions for eligibility.

• All prior coursework from ETSU or other institutions will be forfeited with the exception of previously satisfied COMPASS requirements.

• The COMPASS examination must be completed by those who have not previously done so.

• Placement will be determined in the University Advisement Center.

• The permanent academic record will retain all prior coursework, and the record will include “Granted Academic Fresh Start” and the date.

• Summary statistics will reflect only the coursework completed after “fresh start.”

• Fresh Start students will be classified as first-time freshmen.

• Students in Fresh Start will be subject to Academic Retention Standards in effect at ETSU.

• Once begun, the Academic Fresh Start is irrevocable.

• All decisions of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Services are final.

Additional information is available from the Undergraduate Admissions Office at 423/439-4213.

Readmission 

All former ETSU students who have not been enrolled for one major term (spring or fall) must apply for readmission. Students who have attended another college or university since last ETSU enrollment must request official transcripts from each college. Attending another college during a period of academic dismissal from ETSU may adversely affect readmission. Those interested in graduate admission should apply to the School of Graduate Studies.

Special Student Admission

Dual Enrollment/Joint Enrollment

Currently enrolled high school students who have completed their sophomore year in high school may be admitted for either joint enrollment or dual enrollment or both in order to complete university courses. Minimum academic requirements include a 3.2 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. Additional requirements include testing: ACT: a minimum 19 composite with no subscore below 19; PLAN: a minimum 19 composite with no subscore below 19. PLAN scores may be substituted when the ACT has not been completed. Students may register for no more than seven (7) semester hours per semester when enrolled in this program. Students with unique talents may be granted permission to enroll in specific courses with the approval of the Director of Admissions.

Early Admission

A select group of students who distinguish themselves by high academic achievement in the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades may qualify for admission to the freshman class after the junior year in high school. Minimum selection criteria include a high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and an ACT composite score of 25 (or an equivalent SAT). Successful completion of the prescribed freshman courses at the university satisfies high school graduation requirements.

Gifted and Talented Admission

Currently enrolled high school students in grades 9-12 in public or private high schools who have been identified as academically talented/gifted and whose program of studies is planned on an individual basis by a multidisciplinary team may, with endorsement by the high school and the university, enroll for prescribed courses and earn university credit. Minimum criteria include a high school GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Students may register for no more than seven (7) semester hours per semester when enrolled in this program.

Visiting Student Admission

The classification of “visiting student” is provided for persons enrolled in a degree program at another institution who have been given permission to enroll for a limited number of courses at ETSU. A letter of good standing may be submitted from the degree-granting institution in lieu of a transcript of the academic record. Proof of completion of prerequisite courses may be required for enrollment in specific ETSU courses.

Undergraduate Special Students, Non-Degree

An undergraduate special student may or may not have a bachelor’s degree and wishes to enroll in undergraduate level courses only, but is not admitted into an undergraduate program of study. Undergraduate Special Students may enroll only in undergraduate level coursework. Special students may not qualify for financial aid.

The classification of “special student” is provided for persons over 18 years of age who are not enrolled for a degree but who wish to enroll for a limited number of courses for vocational or avocational reasons. Special students are not required to submit full application credentials.
Undergraduate special students who have not completed appropriate collegiate level math or English shall not enroll for such courses without taking appropriate portions of the COMPASS test battery. Collegiate transcripts may be required as documentation to enroll for courses which have pre-requisites. In order to have credit apply toward a degree, special students must submit full application credentials, complete the COMPASS test battery where appropriate, and be approved for admission to a degree program.

Admission of Undergraduate Special Students will be through the ETSU Undergraduate Admissions Office. For more information contact the Office of Admissions.

Second Undergraduate Degree

Students who hold a bachelor’s degree from ETSU or any other regionally accredited college or university may apply to earn a second bachelor’s degree. Applications should be filed in the Office of Admissions. Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree must apply, select a major program, and provide official transcripts by August 15th for Fall Semester and by December 15th for Spring Semester. Additional information on second bachelor degrees is available in the catalog section entitled Degree and Graduation Requirements. Second degree students are exempt from general education requirements and also from related graduation requirements such as the proficiency-intensive requirement and the computer proficiency requirement.

Admissions Special Topics

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market is an interstate agreement among southern states for sharing academic uncommon programs. Participating states are able to make arrangements for their residents who qualify for admission to enroll in specific programs in other states on an in-state tuition basis. ACM certification must be processed by last day of registration (official census date) of semester in order to be effective with that semester. Certification processed after that date will be effective with the next semester.

* Note: Programs subject to change by the university, states, or Southern Regional Education Board without notice.

Students Denied Admission

Applicants who do not meet admission standards and, as a result, are denied acceptance may choose to file a letter of appeal. Appeals will be considered on a timely basis prior to the beginning of each semester. Appeals are reviewed by the Admissions and Readmissions Advisory Committee. The committee may approve or disapprove the initial decision to deny
admission. A committee recommendation is then made to the Provost, who may approve or disapprove the committee’s recommendation. Appeals requested after the first day of classes for the semester may be considered by the Admissions and Readmissions Advisory Committee at the discretion of the Vice Provost for Enrollment Services or designee.

Enrollment of Disabled Persons and Persons Over 60 Years of Age

• Audit Enrollment - Disabled persons suffering from a permanent disability which totally incapacitates them from employment and persons 60 years of age or older may audit courses without the payment of regular maintenance fees. The student is responsible for any course or online fees associated with the class.

• Credit Enrollment - Disabled persons described above and persons 65 years of age or older may enroll for credit by payment of a service fee required to defray the cost of record keeping. The student is responsible for any course or online fees associated with the class.

• Limited to persons who are domiciled in Tennessee as defined by the Regulations for Classifying Students In-State and Out-of-State.

*Note: Disability Services may be reached at 423-439-8346 or gibsonl@etsu.edu.

Border County Residents - Tuition Waiver

ETSU provides the opportunity for qualified students from other states (North Carolina and Virginia) to pay tuition at the in-state rate. Students participating in any other program which provides out-of-state tuition assistance are not eligible. Such programs include, but are not limited to, the Academic Common Market, Public Performance Scholarship, and Honors-in-Discipline. Counties included:

North Carolina:  Ashe, Avery, Haywood, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey
Virginia:  Grayson, Lee, Scott and Washington

Residency Classifications (Fee Payment) 

Students are classified as in-state or out-of-state for fee payment purposes. Regulations presented in the publication, “Tennessee Board of Regents Regulations for Classifying Students In-State and Out-of-state” are used in making classifications. Residency information may be obtained from the Office of Admissions for undergraduate applicants. Those who have applied for in-state classification and not received the classification may appeal the decision to the Residency Appeals Committee.

Exchange Programs

It is the responsibility of a nonimmigrant applicant to comply with current INS regulations in regard to collegiate enrollment. INS regulations may prohibit the enrollment of an individual in B-1 or B-2 visa status.

The Office of International Programs administers the university’s foreign student (F status) and visitor exchange (J status) programs. Other nonimmigrant applicants may consult with International Programs.

East Tennessee State University encourages and supports students’ participation in sponsored exchange programs such as the National Student Exchange (NSE), International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), and bilateral exchanges. Courses taken while participating in exchange programs may be transferred to ETSU and may fulfill graduation requirements while tuition, fees and sometimes room and board are paid at ETSU rates. See International Programs for more information.

Information may be obtained from the Office of Admissions.

Milligan College/Emmanuel Christian Seminary 

Full-time students (12 credits or more) may take courses at Milligan College and Emmanuel Christian Seminary. Courses taken through this agreement may be used for elective credit only. Students who wish to cross enroll under this plan may obtain additional information from the Office of the Registrar, Burgin E. Dossett Hall, Room 101.