ETSU named among Money's Best Colleges for 2026

East Tennessee State University was named one of America's Best Colleges by Money Magazine, earning recognition for its educational quality, affordability and student outcomes. Money's Best Colleges rankings are based on an analysis of more than 700 four-year colleges intended to help families compare schools based on value. ETSU Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions Heather Levesque said the recognition reflects the university's long-standing focus on making higher education accessible while providing a strong academic experience. "We always aim to serve the people of the region and beyond, so affordability is a big part of that mission," Levesque said. "It's something we talk a lot about and we make it a priority." Money began with more than 2,400 public and private nonprofit four-year colleges across the country. Schools had to meet enrollment, financial stability and graduation rate benchmarks to be considered. A total of 735 institutions qualified for the rankings. The publication evaluated colleges using 25 factors across three categories: quality of education, affordability and student outcomes. Levesque said those priorities align with ETSU's efforts to keep tuition affordable while investing in academics, financial aid and student support services. She said the university also emphasizes opportunities both inside and outside the classroom to prepare students for careers after graduation. "We try to ensure that students are having all of those experiences in a way that's affordable," she said. Levesque said ETSU continually reviews scholarship and financial aid programs to help reduce students' costs while strengthening academic offerings that prepare graduates for the workforce. She pointed to the recent opening of the Mary V. Jordan Center for Student Success as one example of the university's investment in student support. "We have to always be moving and ensuring that we're meeting students where they are, but also meeting their needs in and outside of the classroom so that they can go on and get a job and meet the needs of the workforce in the region and beyond," she said. Levesque said recognition from a national publication can help introduce ETSU to prospective students and families who may not have otherwise considered the university. "We do expect this type of recognition will increase awareness," she said. "It will hopefully drive students to explore ETSU more." She said visiting campus gives prospective students a chance to experience the university beyond what they read in rankings by learning more about its academic programs, student life and campus community. "They can really connect and engage with us in a way that really helps them feel like ETSU may be the right place for them," she said. Levesque said ETSU strives to provide both an affordable education and a supportive campus environment where students feel connected throughout their college experience. "It's kind of the full package," she said. "We are very proud to be a place that is a home for students and their families and a place that cares deeply for them."