Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Carson-Newman University logo

Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN·Private nonprofit·1,387 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

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

90%
Accept
1,387
Students
$20,251
Net Price
53%
Grad Rate
$41,300
Earnings
10 yr
$21,500
Debt

About This School

Carson-Newman University is a private nonprofit institution located in Jefferson City, Tennessee with approximately 1,387 undergraduate students enrolled. Carson-Newman University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 90%. The average net price after financial aid is $20,251 per year. The graduation rate is 53%, 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
Religious Affiliation
Southern Baptist
Avg Faculty Salary
$6,387

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Health Professions11%
Visual & Performing Arts8%
Education7%
Psychology6%
Communications4%
Biological Sciences4%
Social Sciences4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Herbert S. Walters

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Considered but not required

SAT Scores

Average Composite1117
Reading 75th %ile645
Math 75th %ile570

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$34,700
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,700
Avg Net Price
$20,251
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$16,672
$30–48k$16,446
$48–75k$17,313
$75–110k$21,209
$110k+$28,621

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants33%
Median debt at graduation$21,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
53%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
74%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,300
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$34,500
Female graduates$33,400

Gap: 3% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,900
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$41,300
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.9x

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

White72%
Black10%
Hispanic/Latino6%
Asian1%
Two or more races2%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International6%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,387 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

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.