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Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN · Suburb · 1,387 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$20,251
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
50%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
58% typical
$48,382
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$55,545 typical
90%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About

Carson-Newman University, a private Christian liberal arts institution nestled in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, is best known for its integration of faith and learning and its deep commitment to community service. The university boasts highly regarded programs in nursing, education, and business, with its nursing school consistently ranked among the best in Tennessee for its high state-board pass rates and hands-on clinical training. On campus, students enjoy a close-knit, Christ-centered community that balances vibrant campus ministries and student organizations with outdoor recreation on nearby Cherokee Lake. What truly sets Carson-Newman apart is its unique focus on civic engagement, offering robust service-learning programs that allow students to earn graduation credit through local and global outreach.

Wikipedia:Carson-Newman University is a private university in Jefferson City, Tennessee, United States. Carson-Newman is affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Founded in 1851, the university enrolls about 2,500 students. Studies are offered in approximately 90 different academic programs.

Location
Jefferson City, TN, 37760 · Suburb campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
BNA · Nashville
178 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$34,700
Housing & food (on campus)$11,800
Books & supplies$1,600
Cost of attendance$55,300
Average net price$20,251
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$34,700
Housing & food (on campus)$11,800
Books & supplies$1,600
Cost of attendance$55,300
Average net price$20,251
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.cn.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
Carson-Newman University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$42,500
Housing$6,300
Food$6,300
Total published by the school$55,300
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$16,672
$30–48k
$16,446
$48–75k
$17,313
$75–110k
$21,209
$110k+
$28,621
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
50%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
45%
Back for yr 2
74%
Transferred
31%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
56% graduated · 32% transferred · 12% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$39,324
10 yrs after entry$48,382
Debt
Median at graduation$21,500
Monthly payment$228
Middle 50% owe$5.5k–$26k
90th percentile$31,190
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
90%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1117
R 500–645 · M 455–570
ACT midpoint
22
Comp 19–25 · E 17–25 · M 17–25
SAT middle 50%: 955–1215
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Carson-Newman University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 49%Women 51%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
12 : 1
Pell grant
33%
First-gen
35%
Family income
$47,177
Independent
11%
Age at entry
20.0
Part-time
3%
Race & ethnicity
White
72%
Hispanic
6%
Black
10%
Asian
1%
Two or more
2%
Non-resident
6%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division II with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Beach Volleyball
    Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$39,324
After 10 yrs
$48,382
Business Administration, Management and Operations51
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness47
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing47
Psychology, General35
Biology, General25
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas15
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods14
Religion/Religious Studies14
Political Science and Government11
Special Education and Teaching10
Design and Applied Arts10
Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services8
Human Services, General8
Physics7
Music7
Accounting and Related Services7
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$76M
Full-time faculty
52%
Faculty salary
$6,387/mo
Teaching spend
$6,602
per student
Federal loans
46%
Classification
Carnegie type
Doctoral/Professional University
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Carson-Newman University is the right fit for you?

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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