In an effort to promote a sense of cohesion in the region, the Tennessee Board of Regents has authorized a plan allowing some out-of-state students from areas surrounding ETSU to attend the university at in-state tuition rates.
Students from Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga and Yancey counties in North Carolina and Lee, Scott and Washington counties in Virginia may save $4,656 if they meet certain academic requirements.
“We’ve said for years that it’s unfair when parents, and students themselves, drive across state lines to go to work everyday, but are penalized with the burden of out-of-state tuition,” said President Paul Stanton in his State of the University Address. “Those sections of Virginia and North Carolina view ETSU as their regional university, yet, up until now, those residents could not take full advantage of the education we offer, simply because of economics.”
For some of the students in these eight counties, this tuition break could open new opportunities for higher education. At in-state tuition rates, ETSU is less expensive to attend than both the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and the University of Virginia-Wise.
“Because of our unique location, we have a need to serve beyond the state boundaries,” says Nancy Dishner, vice provost for enrollment services. “We want to be a part of producing a better education for our region.”
The preliminary numbers indicate that the tuition break is producing results.
Pre-census figures shows 155 new students from these eight counties this semester, says Dishner. “I really believe it’s making an impact.”
The tuition breaks are expected to draw even more students from these areas in the future.
“We’ve had a very positive response in the high schools of the region,” says Dishner. “Everyone believes this is an outstanding opportunity.”
Administrators at ETSU have been interested in this plan for a number of years, but TBR has been hesitant to approve it in order to protect taxpayers.
“They now understand that it is to the advantage of Tennessee to provide these opportunities,” says Dishner. “ETSU will not suffer a revenue loss and we are actually bringing more money into the area.”
Interested students can contact, Assistant Director Ronda Gross in the admissions office.

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