Academic Comparison between ETSU and CU

East Tennessee State University and Cumberland University are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. ETSU is a four-year, public school located in Johnson City, TN and CU is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Lebanon, TN.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • ETSU is a public and CU is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • CU has more expensive tuition & fees ($27,840) than ETSU ($13,726).
  • It is harder to admit to CU than ETSU.
  • ETSU has more students with 13,728 students while CU has 3,457 students.
  • ETSU has a lower number of students per faculty with 15 to 1 while CU's ratio is 19 to 1.
  • ETSU has more full-time faculties with 703 faculties while CU has 85 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

East Tennessee State Universityvs.Cumberland University
Johnson City, TennesseeLocationLebanon, Tennessee
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$10,216
Out-Of-State$13,726
2025 Tuition & Fees$27,840
84%% Receiving Financial Aid100%
$11,795Average Amount of Financial Aid$17,894
86.19 %Acceptance Rates67.33 %
24.68 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)40.54 %
1,080SAT Score-
23ACT Score-
53 %Graduation Rate46 %
22 %Transfer-out Rate14 %
76 %Retention Rate59 %
13,728Student Population3,457
703Number of Faculties85
15 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio19 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), Weekend/Evening College, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services