The numbers are telling the story: Something remarkable is happening in the heart of Appalachia.  

ETSU just welcomed 2,284 students for Fall 2025 – the largest first-year class in university history. 

When record numbers of students choose ETSU, they’re choosing more than just a degree.  

They’re choosing a place that understands the value of both academic excellence and real-world affordability. They’re choosing a community that sees potential in every student who walks through our doors. 

A University That Delivers Results 

Nearly half of all ETSU students graduate with no student loan debt. When “Money” magazine evaluated more than 2,400 four-year institutions nationwide, only 732 qualified for their rigorous ratings. ETSU was one of just four public universities in Tennessee to make the cut. 

This recognition isn’t accidental.  

It reflects deliberate choices we’ve made as a university community: keeping education affordable while refusing to compromise on quality, investing in small class sizes that mean professors know their students by name and building support systems that help students succeed from their first day on campus to graduation and beyond. 

More Than Just Education 

Students choosing ETSU aren’t just getting access to quality academics. 

They are gaining entry to a region that offers everything from outdoor adventures in the Blue Ridge and Smokies to vibrant arts and cultural scenes across Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina. 

Our campus sits at the heart of a region known for: 

• A thriving music and arts community 

• Outdoor recreation that rivals anywhere in the country 

• Historic downtowns and mountain communities just minutes from campus 

• Growing job markets in health care, technology and advanced manufacturing 

ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland summed it up: “These historic enrollment numbers reflect the confidence students and families have in ETSU’s ability to deliver exceptional education at an outstanding value. “When students from across the region and beyond choose ETSU, they are choosing an institution committed to their success and to the economic vitality of our region.” 

Support That Makes the Difference 

Whether students need help navigating financial aid, transitioning from military service, or simply finding their place in a new community, ETSU provides the personalized support that larger institutions often can’t match. 

Our Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships offers one-on-one counseling. Veterans and military families find dedicated support through specialized services. International students discover a welcoming community. 

And ETSU recently launched the Mary V. Jordan Center, a student success center that provides full-spectrum concierge level support

“This is more than a milestone. It is a movement,” said Noland. “ETSU’s record-breaking enrollment shows that students believe in our mission, our values and our region. We are proud to be the university of choice for those who want to make a difference in the world, starting right here in Appalachia.” 

Check out etsu.edu/go-beyond to explore the ways ETSU excels.