BSU vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

BSU vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or Carson-Newman University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ball State University than Carson-Newman University ($13,599 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 4.3% lower than at Ball State University ($11,800 vs. $12,334).
• Carson Newman University is 213.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $23,618 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.1% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Ball State University (about $5,070 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 112.5% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($28,090 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU or Carson-Newman University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Carson-Newman University and BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 80 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming BSU students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Carson-Newman University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at BSU (3.52).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than BSU (85.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

BSU vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and Carson-Newman University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $1,120 lower median loan debt than BSU graduates ($23,880 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BSU graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BSU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.