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Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, Tennessee · Private (nonprofit)

FindU Grade

BValue
N/ACampus
B-Academics
C+Admissions
A-Student Life
BOverall

About

Carson-Newman University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. It is a private (nonprofit) institution. The university enrolls approximately 1,374 students.

cn.edu

Cost and aid

Cost breakdown

In-state tuition$34,700
Out-of-state tuition$34,700
Room & board$10,507
Avg aid package$26,472
Students receiving aid39%
Pell grant recipients39%

Carson-Newman is competitively priced, with 100% of students receiving financial aid, making private education affordable. The net price per year is around $19,755. While initial financial aid assistance is straightforward, increasing tuition costs can pose challenges for some students.

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Admissions

Test scores

SAT · middle 50%940–1130
4001600
ACT · middle 50%19–25
136

Application info

Acceptance rate68%
Average GPA3.56
Student–faculty ratio12:1
Test optionalYes
Application fee$0

Carson-Newman has a somewhat competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of 68%. The university seeks students who have demonstrated the ability and motivation to succeed in a challenging academic program. They consider academic credentials, relevant test scores, and references.

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Academics

Graduation rate52%
Retention rate74%
Student–faculty ratio12:1
Full-time faculty54%

Carson-Newman provides a high-quality education with small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty. The university's academic programs are designed to challenge students intellectually and nurture critical thinking skills. Students also have opportunities for research and hands-on experiences.

Outcomes

Median earnings (10 yrs)$48,382
Earn more than HS grad68%
Economic mobility153%
Loan default (3 yr)5%
Loan repayment (3 yr)64%

Carson-Newman prepares students for professional success and engaged citizenship, with a focus on servant-leadership. The university offers rigorous preparation for various professions, including dentistry, law, medicine, and business. Graduates benefit from the university's commitment to helping students reach their full potential as educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders.

Student life

Demographics

Small School
1,374Student size

Compared to 5,382 national average

BalancedGender ratio
Female 51%Male 49%
71% WhiteRacial diversity
White 71%Black 11%Hispanic 6%Asian 1%Other 11%
Campus housingYes

Carson-Newman offers a vibrant campus life with frequent events and a strong sense of community. While Greek life is minimal, there are plenty of activities, sports events, and intramural opportunities. The university integrates its Christian faith into campus life, creating a supportive and faith-centered environment.

Student reviews

Professors

Student

Carson Newman University is a marvelous school to choose in pursuing music education as a degree. You get hands-on experience as well as a great teacher/student relationship. There is a home like atmosphere at Carson Newman which makes it even easier to get involved. There are many organizations and clubs at Carson Newman. Currently, I am in Delta Omicron Music Fraternity, Student Ambassador Association, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, Percussion Club, NAfME, and ETSBOA. Like I said, Carson Newman offers a wide variety of great experiences with each degree.

Student

Excellence in communication contributes to success in all aspects of personal, professional and civic life. My degree program was rooted in the mastery of speaking and writing skills. My programs had a substantial balance in theory and research with practical training in professional skills. The department faculty is committed to a liberal education in written, oral and visual communication, as well as equipping students for success in the fields of advertising, public relations, journalism, media arts, film and theater. Additionally, the department recognizes its responsibility to challenge its students to adopt ethical stances in a rapidly changing communication environment and to become critical consumers of media products.

Student

I loved the small class size and one-on-one attention I could get from my professors. I feel like the intership portion of my coursework was challenging because I struggled to get enough clients to complete it. It would have been a much better experience if the college had partnerships with businesses to allow us to easier complete our internships.

Campus and vibes

Student

For my time on campus I enjoy it very much. I typically only spend time on campus for classes and work that I cant work on at home. I do enjoy homecoming and go to that it is fun to see everyone of all ages come together and celebrate this school. It is usually nice and beautiful on them days. I have liked my professors thus far and hope I don't come across any I don't like. They have been nothing but helpful to me when I have needed help. I enjoy the scenery and campus and plan to fin ish out my degree at this institution.

Student

Carson-Newman is a great place to grow in all aspects of life: academically, socially, spiritually, emotionally. The liberal arts approach prepares you for a career, not just a job. The community is excellent and fosters lifelong friendships.

About Carson-Newman University

Carson-Newman provides a safe campus environment, earning a B+ grade in safety from Niche. The university is committed to providing a secure environment for its students. However, in January 2025, the university experienced a network anomaly and shut down the network to address the issue.

The Carson-Newman Honors Program offers academic challenges and opportunities for intellectually gifted students. It provides team-taught interdisciplinary classes and extra-curricular events. The program emphasizes critical thinking and writing skills, culminating in a Senior Thesis.

Carson-Newman welcomes students from 40 U.S. states and 51 foreign countries, fostering a diverse campus environment. The university offers various opportunities for international students, including ESL programs and special counselors. However, data indicates a limited number of international graduates in some programs.

Endowment$68,655,364
Avg faculty salary$73,764

Carson-Newman University FAQ

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Carson-Newman University admits about 68% of applicants. But your real odds are personal. They depend on your grades, scores, and story. Answer a few quick questions and FindU calculates your match.

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Your SAT 1380Admit range 1230–1480
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