East Tennessee State University vs Bethel University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Bethel University comes closer — median earnings $47,482 against a $50,380 total, vs $44,859 at East Tennessee State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | East Tennessee State University | Bethel University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,983 | $12,595 |
| Total net cost | $63,932 | $50,380 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $44,859 | $47,482 |
| Median debt | $19,442 | $27,249 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$133,952 | -$67,940 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, East Tennessee State University or Bethel University?
Bethel University, at $12,595 a year after aid versus $15,983 — a gap of $3,388 a year, or $13,552 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do East Tennessee State University or Bethel University graduates earn more?
Bethel University graduates report a median $47,482 ten years after entry, $2,623 more than the $44,859 at East Tennessee State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, East Tennessee State University or Bethel University?
East Tennessee State University: its completers carry a median $19,442 in federal loans versus $27,249 at Bethel University, a difference of $7,807. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at East Tennessee State University, against 35% at Bethel University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.