ETSU vs. University of Lynchburg

Comparable Facts

Compare East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN with University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Tennessee State University is larger than University of Lynchburg based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 2,316 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Tennessee State University is located in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting); University of Lynchburg is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Lynchburg is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Tennessee State University 15:1; University of Lynchburg 11:1.

ETSU vs. University of Lynchburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ETSU or University of Lynchburg? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at East Tennessee State University than University of Lynchburg ($16,286 vs. $23,845).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 23% lower than at University of Lynchburg ($10,554 vs. $13,700).
• University of Lynchburg is 250.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $26,278 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.1% higher at University of Lynchburg than at East Tennessee State University (about $22,228 more per year; $36,750.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Lynchburg than at East Tennessee State University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Lynchburg students is 162.3% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($26,491 vs. $10,101).

ETSU vs. University of Lynchburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ETSU or University of Lynchburg? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Lynchburg and ETSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Lynchburg (1110) is 20 points higher than at ETSU (1090).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 980/1200; University of Lynchburg 980/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ETSU - Test optional; University of Lynchburg - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Lynchburg Sep 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman University of Lynchburg students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than University of Lynchburg (43%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.7% at ETSU vs. 14.7% at University of Lynchburg.

ETSU vs. University of Lynchburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ETSU and University of Lynchburg? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Lynchburg's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from University of Lynchburg earn a median of about $6,400 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $6,500 lower median loan debt than University of Lynchburg graduates ($20,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $68 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Lynchburg graduates ($211 vs. $279).
• More University of Lynchburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.