Carson-Newman University vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

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

East Tennessee State University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carson Newman University is located in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carson Newman University 12:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

Carson-Newman University vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carson-Newman University or ETSU? 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 East Tennessee State University than Carson-Newman University ($16,286 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 10.6% lower than at Carson Newman University ($10,554 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 231.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $24,228 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 138.9% higher at Carson-Newman University than at East Tennessee State University (about $20,178 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at East Tennessee State University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 178.1% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($28,090 vs. $10,101).

Carson-Newman University vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carson-Newman University or ETSU? 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 ETSU and Carson-Newman University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is the same as at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at ETSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 955/1215; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 19/25; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carson-Newman University - Test optional; ETSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than ETSU (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Carson-Newman University vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

Carson-Newman University vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carson-Newman University and ETSU? 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).

• Carson Newman University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $3,380 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($211 vs. $246).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 50%)

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.