East Tennessee State University vs Messiah University

Johnson City, TN — Mechanicsburg, PA

Metric
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA
Location Johnson City, TN Mechanicsburg, PA
Type Public Private Nonprofit
Total Enrollment 10,004 2,259
Acceptance Rate 86.2% 79.0%
SAT Average 1,144 1,236
In-State Tuition $10,472 $42,240
Out-of-State Tuition $14,522 $42,240
Avg Net Price $15,983 $26,502
Median Debt at Graduation $19,442 $25,621
4-Year Graduation Rate 51.5% 76.8%
Retention Rate 75.7% 88.6%
Median Earnings (6 yr) $38,704 $50,192
Median Earnings (10 yr) $44,859 $54,064
Loan Repayment Rate 564500.0% 121800.0%

Values highlighted in green indicate the better metric. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

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East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, TN
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Messiah University
Mechanicsburg, PA
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do East Tennessee State University and Messiah University compare?
East Tennessee State University (Johnson City, TN) has an acceptance rate of 86.2%, in-state tuition of $10,472, and median 10-year earnings of $44,859. Messiah University (Mechanicsburg, PA) has an acceptance rate of 79.0%, in-state tuition of $42,240, and median 10-year earnings of $54,064.
Which school has higher graduate earnings, East Tennessee State University or Messiah University?
Messiah University graduates earn more at 10 years out, with a median of $54,064 vs $44,859. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Which school is more affordable, East Tennessee State University or Messiah University?
Based on average net price (after grants and scholarships), East Tennessee State University is the more affordable option at $15,983 per year versus $26,502.
Which school has a better 4-year graduation rate?
Messiah University has the higher 4-year graduation rate: 76.8% vs 51.5%.

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All data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. PlainCollege is not affiliated with any government agency.

Related

Source: U.S. Department of Education — College Scorecard College Scorecard institution outcomes (earnings, completion, debt) · 2025