Bellarmine University vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

Bellarmine University vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University 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 Carson Newman University than Bellarmine University ($20,895 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 8.1% lower than at Carson Newman University ($10,850 vs. $11,800).
• Bellarmine University is 40.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carson-Newman University (about $14,070 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.5% higher at Bellarmine University than at Carson Newman University (about $14,070 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 38.8% larger than aid received by Carson Newman University students ($39,001 vs. $28,090).

Bellarmine University vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bellarmine University 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 Bellarmine University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 50 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 23/28; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Bellarmine University (86.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Bellarmine University vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University 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).

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 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 Bellarmine University graduates ($23,880 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carson-Newman University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 65%)

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.