Admissions

With over 14,000 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 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. 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.

Transcript Verification

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.
• We do not accept faxed transcripts.
• We will accept electronic transcripts sent through a recognized third party transcript provider.
• Transcripts can be emailed from the reporting institution to documents@etsu.edu

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: admissions@etsu.edu

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

Updated: 1/6/2020

1. ETSU admission decisions are based on application, high school graduation or equivalency, academic performance in high school, assessment scores (ACT, SAT, or other), completion of high school requirements with grades earned in those courses, and/or transfer credit. 
2. East Tennessee State University will make reasonable accommodations which may include, but are not limited to, course substitutions and other academic adjustments when necessary to ensure equal access for students with disabilities.  East Tennessee State University does not discriminate against applicants for admission on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class.
3. Admission to ETSU does not guarantee admission to specialized or limited enrollment programs.
4. Admission Requirements by Type

1. First-Time Freshmen
   1. Under 21 years of age
      1. Official documentation of High School Graduation or Equivalency
      2. Minimum High School Grade Point Average (2.3)  or valid official ACT (19) or equivalent SAT Scores
      3. Required high school course requirements

2. 21 years of age or older
   1. Official transcript showing graduation from high school [High School Equivalency (HSE)]

2. Early Admission of First-Time Freshmen
   1. Completed the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 based on a 4.0   scale.
   2. An ACT Composite score of 25 or a comparable SAT score.
   3. A written statement from the high school principal specifying the college courses that will be substituted for the remaining high school courses needed for high school graduation.
   4. Written endorsements from the high school counselor and from parents or guardians.

3. Freshman Admission by Exception
   1. Applicants who are deficient in no more than two high school units may be admitted if they have a:
      1. Minimum ACT composite score of 21 (or equivalent SAT score) or
      2. ACT score of 19 or 20 (or equivalent SAT Score) and a minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
   2. Applicants who do not meet the requirements outlined above may be admitted if they are:
      1. Tennessee residents with a minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of 17 (or equivalent SAT score) or
      2. Non-residents of Tennessee with a minimum high school GPA of 2.3 on a 4.0 scale or an ACT composite score of 19 or higher (or equivalent SAT score)

4. Transfer Students
   1. Under 12 attempted college semester credits
      1. Official documentation of High School Graduation or Equivalency
      2. Minimum High School Grade Point Average (2.3) or valid official ACT (19) or equivalent SAT Scores
      3. Required high school course requirements

2. More than 12 attempted college  semester credits
   1. Must provide official transcripts of credit from all institutions of higher education attended
   2. Must meet the grade point average requirements based on the number of attempted college-level credits below:

3. 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 be admitted through individual review by the Vice Provost for Enrollment or his/her designee.

5. Readmission
   All former ETSU students who have not been enrolled for one major term (Spring or Fall) must apply for readmission.  In order to be readmitted, students who have attended no other institution of higher education after enrollment at ETSU must be eligible to return to ETSU based on the university’s retention standards or must have served the appropriate academic suspension period to be eligible for re-enrollment.  In order to be readmitted, students who have attended another institution of higher education after enrollment at ETSU must meet the transfer admission requirements.

6. Undergraduate Special Student
   1. Application.

7. Visiting/Transient Student
   1. Enrolled in a degree program at another institution
   2. Intends to take a limited number of classes at ETSU
   3. Proof of “good standing” at their home institution by
      1. an official transcript or
      2. letter of good standing

8. Dual Enrollment (limited to 11 semester credits per term)
   1. Minimum high school GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
   2. Minimum ACT composite score of 19 with no sub-score below 19 or appropriate score on the Acuplacer exam or other approved exam.
   3. Approvals from the high school and a parent or guardian to enroll
   4. An official high school transcript.

An academically talented/gifted student in grades 9-12 in public or private high schools in Tennessee whose program of study is planned on an individual basis by a multidisciplinary team may, with the endorsement of the high school and the university, enroll for prescribed courses and earn university credit if the student has a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 basis and if such a placement is part of the student’s planned Individual Education Plan.  A student with unique talents may be granted permission to enroll in specific courses with approval of the Director of Admissions.

1. International Student

Students who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (international students) are required to submit proof of successful completion of secondary education. Applicants who have attended institutions of higher education must submit official transcripts from all institutions attended.

1. Applicants under the age of 21 who graduated from a U.S. high school must submit official ACT or SAT scores.
2. Applicants who completed secondary education in countries other than the U.S. are not required to submit ACT or SAT scores.
3. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency by submitting one of the following:
   1. Paper-based TOEFL score of 500, computer based TOEFL score of 173, or internet based TOEFL score of 61.
   2. Proof of successful completion of level 112 English in an approved ELS program.
   3. ACT reading and English scores of 19.
   4. SAT evidence based reading score of 500 on the new SAT or critical reading score of 450 on the old SAT.
   5. Two semesters or three quarters of college-level English composition from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education with a grade of C- or better.
   6. Evidence of English proficiency as demonstrated through successful completion of writing-intensive courses from an accredited U.S. institution.
   7. Minimum of one year of attendance as an exchange student in or graduation from a U.S. high school as reflected on an official high school transcript.
   8. Results from another nationally recognized, comparable, standardized English proficiency exam that indicates requisite English proficiency.
4. Students who cannot demonstrate satisfactory proficiency in English may be offered conditional admission to study English at the ELS Language Center at ETSU.

10. Second Undergraduate Degree

Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education attended.

Authority: Tennessee Code 49-7-10 Americans with Disabilities Amendment Act of 2008 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Non-discrimination on the Basis of Handicap); Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-6-1009, amended 2019.

Updated: 1/6/2020

General Admission Procedures include the following:

1. Student submits application form, official transcript(s), and fee.
2. Office of Admissions receives application, verifies transcript, and determines admission type by checking requirements for admission or readmission.
   1. Freshman
      • Review high school transcripts for GPA and high school units or high school equivalent (HSE) score
      • Review ACT/SAT test scores if student is under 21 years of age
   2. Transfer
      • Review high school transcripts for GPA and high school units or high school equivalent (HSE) score
      • Review college transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions (review            based on hours attempted, GPA, and course descriptions that are found and reviewed from College Source)
   3. Readmission
      • Review college transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions (review based on hours attempted, GPA, and course descriptions that are found and reviewed from College Source) if the student attended another institution after last enrollment at ETSU
      • Review GPA and academic standing on last term of ETSU enrollment
   4. Dual Enrollment
      • Review high school transcripts for GPA
      • Review ACT/SAT or other approved exam scores
   5. International Student
      • Reviews high school transcript for GPA or college transcript for GPA to determine eligibility
      • Reviews proof of English proficiency
   6. Undergraduate Special Student
      • Not admitted to an undergraduate degree program
   7. Visiting/Transient Student
      • Reviews verification that student is in “good standing” at home institution
3. If documents are missing, the Office of Admissions sends a notification letter to the student, and continues to follow-up with the student via email until an admission decision is made or the student notifies ETSU that they will not be attending ETSU.
4. Office of Admissions indicates admission decision in the student database.
   1. Admit
   2. Admit by exception
   3. Deny
5. Office of Admissions sends appropriate communication regarding admission to students

Tennessee Transfer Pathway Policy

A student who completes a Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) at a Tennessee community college is guaranteed that ETSU will accept those courses taken in fulfillment of the TTP.

Other courses that have no direct ETSU equivalent will be transferred as either lower division or upper division general elective credit and may, as appropriate, be applied as elective credit toward the student’s degree.

 Transfer of Undergraduate Credit

1. ETSU will review for possible credits earned from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
   1. Consideration for transfer of courses will be given to the appropriateness and applicability of the credit earned to the courses offered at ETSU.
   2. Credit earned from institutions of higher education accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (or corresponding agencies for other states and regions of the United States) will be evaluated for direct application toward a degree.
   3. Credit earned at institutions outside of the United States that are recognized by the corresponding country’s Ministry of Education or similar agency will be evaluated for direct application toward a degree.
   4. Credit earned through non-regionally accredited institutions or nonaccredited international institutions of higher education will be reviewed for possible transfer credit on a case-by-case basis at the request of the student. In order to have the credit considered, the student must file a petition with the appropriate academic department. Credit will be recorded on a student’s record only after the appropriate academic department(s) and the dean have reviewed the course(s) and determined it to be equivalent in content to an ETSU course(s) and approval is issued by the Vice Provost for Enrollment Services.
   5. The Office of Admissions will evaluate credit for university-wide use based on historical precedent, course descriptions and titles, current articulated program information, and/or review by the appropriate ETSU college dean and faculty.
   6. Credit earned in remedial or developmental courses is not transferable for college-level credit.
   7. A student who completes a Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) at a Tennessee community college is guaranteed that ETSU will accept those courses taken in fulfillment of the TTP.
   8. Courses that have no direct ETSU equivalent will be transferred as either lower division or upper division general elective credit and may, as appropriate, be applied as elective credit toward the student’s degree.
2. Prior Learning Credit (Non-Traditional Credit)
   1. When awarding credit for prior learning the university will use generally accepted principals and best practices, and recognized guides to ensure appropriate awarding procedures are followed.
      1. Procedures for awarding credits based on prior learning have been developed in accordance with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges principles and policies related to the transfer of credit and the Recommended Standards in Prior Learning Assessment Policy and Practice of Tennessee Public Colleges and Universities (August 7, 2012).
   2. ETSU will review for possible credit evidence of prior learning as provided through standardized exam scores, training provided by non-collegiate institutions, or experiential learning. Possible sources of prior learning assessment include:
      1. Service in the armed forces
      2. Dantes - Subject Standardized Tests
      3. Advanced Placement Exams (AP)
      4. ACT/SAT credit for first-year English - Requests for this credit should be directed to GenEdReview@etsu.edu.
      5. International Baccalaureate Exams
      6. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
      7. Cambridge exams
   3. Departmental course challenge exams may be available for undergraduate courses, for which a fee is charged. To be eligible, admitted or enrolled students with satisfactory academic standing, as determined by the appropriate academic department, may request a comprehensive challenge examination. Students may not take the challenge exam in a course previously taken for credit. A grade of “P” for pass (satisfactory performance) or “F” for fail (unsatisfactory performance) is determined by the academic department and entered into official records.
   4. ETSU may award credit for experiential learning for applicants to approved degree programs on well-documented activities and experiences at the appropriate educational level and evaluated based on clearly developed outcomes for the courses or program for which credit is awarded.
3. When awarding credit to students who are veterans or military service members the university will reference the Joint Services Transcript (JST), DD-214, and/or transcripts from the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS), Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) and Coast guard Institute (CGI). The university will use the American Council on Education (ACE) for awarding credit for military experience, educations, and/or training obtained during military experience.
   1. If military experience, education and/or training are equivalent to a course offered by ETSU the credit will be applied for the equivalent course. Otherwise, appropriate course credit will be granted for elective credit.
   2. Should credit not be captured through ACE recommendations, veterans and service members have the opportunity for prior learning assessment through other means. (refer to 1. above)
   3. Military veterans and service members have the opportunity to request that excessive credits applied to transcripts which may affect their financial aid eligibility be removed from the transcript.
4. Prior learning credit awarded by another Tennessee public institution will be recognized by ETSU.

Advanced Placement Credit

ETSU participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). Advanced Placement course participants who score 3, 4, or 5 on the CEEB Advanced Placement Tests will be awarded credit. A grade of ‘P’ for passed hours will be awarded in appropriate degree courses. A list of Advanced Placement examinations, minimum score requirements, ETSU courses fulfilled, and semester hours of credit is available in the Nontraditional Credit Guide, which can be obtained from the Office of Admissions. An official transcript of AP credit must be provided from the CEEB.

Credit by Correspondence or Extension

Students may apply credit earned by correspondence or extension from regionally accredited institutions toward the completion of a degree at ETSU, provided that the hours earned by correspondence or extension or a combination of the two does not exceed 25% of the hours required for the degree.

Credit for Service in the Armed Services

ETSU will award credit for military training courses in the Armed Services of the United States as recommended by the American Council on Education in the publication Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Veterans may submit the following transcripts for consideration.

• Army - Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript (APUS).
• Navy/Marine - Sailors-Marine Corps American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART).
• Air Force - Community College of the Air Force Transcript.
• Coast Guard - Coast Guard Institute Education Transcript.

In addition to the forms mentioned above, an individual may submit a DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, a DD295, or an official transcript from Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) subject standardized tests administered by Education Testing Service or other official documentation of completion of military training. No credit is awarded for MOS, rates, and ratings. Military credit will not satisfy writing, oral communication, or using information technology proficiency requirements. Questions regarding military training credit should be referred to the Admissions Office.

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 throughout the collegiate experience to ensure ease of transition and appropriate course completion.

Academic Common Market

The Academic Common Market is an interstate agreement between southern states for sharing academic programs not readily available in the home state. Participating states allow residents who qualify for admission to enroll in specific programs in other states to pay at the In-State rate in the state where the program is offered. Students who are participating in another program which covers out-of-state tuition (including, but not limited to, Public Performance Scholarships, Honors-in-Discipline, or Border Waiver) are eligible.

Academic Common Market Programs at ETSU and listing of state coordinators

Academic Common Market Program Policies

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 Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment, 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 Associate Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment or designee.

Enrollment of Disabled Persons and Persons Over 60 Years of Age

1. Disabled persons who are domiciled in Tennessee and who have 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.
2. Disabled persons described above and persons 65 years of age or older who are domiciled in Tennessee, may enroll for credit without the payment of regular maintenance fees. The student is responsible for a service fee required to defray the cost of record keeping and any course or online fees associated with the class.

*Note: Disability Services may be reached at (423) 439-8346, TDD/ Voice (423) 439-8370, Fax (423) 439-8489. 

Residency Classifications (Fee Payment) 

ETSU shall, in the admission or readmission process, assign each student a residency classification using approved regulations for classifying students instate or out-of-state for the purposes of paying university fees and tuition and for admission purposes. 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. International Programs and Services administers the university’s foreign student (F status) and visitor exchange (J status) programs. Other nonimmigrant applicants may consult with International Programs. The office also coordinates study abroad, overseas university partnerships, exchange programs, and the International Education Study Abroad Scholarship. (423) 439- 7737

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 International Programs and Services.

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.