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Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN·Private nonprofit·1,374 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access. no major red flags in the data. financial aid brings net price below sticker.

68%
Accept
1,374
Students
$18,661
Net Price
46%
Grad Rate
$41,300
Earnings
10 yr
$14,519
Debt

About This School

Carson-Newman University is a private nonprofit institution located in Jefferson City, Tennessee with approximately 1,374 undergraduate students enrolled. Carson-Newman University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 68%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,661 per year. The graduation rate is 46%, and the typical graduate earns $41,300 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: a relatively affordable net price of $18,661/year and low median debt of $14,519 are genuine strengths, but a 46% graduation rate is a serious red flag worth pressing the school on before committing. This small Baptist-affiliated campus in rural Tennessee suits students who want a tight-knit community and personalized attention, but the median earnings of $41,300 a decade out suggest you'll want a clear plan for how your specific degree translates to career outcomes.

Founded
1851
Setting
Small suburb

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing15%
Health Professions13%
Education10%
Psychology8%
Biological Sciences7%
Visual & Performing Arts6%
Social Sciences3%
Physical Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Herbert S. Walters

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1111
Reading 75th %ile570
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$34,700
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,700
Avg Net Price
$18,661
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants39%
Median debt at graduation$14,519

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
46%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$14,519
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$14,519
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White71%
Black11%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,374 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Carson-Newman University

1646 S Russell Ave

Jefferson City, TN 37760

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Tennessee

Browse all Tennessee schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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