Carson-Newman University vs. KSU

Comparable Facts

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

Kennesaw State University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (47,764 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carson Newman University is located in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting); Kennesaw State University is in Kennesaw, GA (Large Suburban setting).
• Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kennesaw State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carson Newman University 12:1; Kennesaw State University 23:1.

Carson-Newman University vs. KSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carson-Newman University or KSU? 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 Kennesaw State University than Carson-Newman University ($15,636 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 11.2% lower than at Kennesaw State University ($11,800 vs. $13,287).
• Carson Newman University is 497.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than KSU (about $28,892 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $5,808.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95.6% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Kennesaw State University (about $16,964 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $17,736.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Kennesaw State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 241.6% larger than aid received by Kennesaw State University students ($28,090 vs. $8,223).

Carson-Newman University vs. KSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Kennesaw State University (1110) is 20 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at KSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 955/1215; Kennesaw State University 1000/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 19/25; Kennesaw State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carson-Newman University - Test optional; KSU - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: KSU Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at KSU (3.33).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than KSU (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Carson-Newman University vs. 38% at KSU.

Carson-Newman University vs. KSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kennesaw State University graduates have a $2,680 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($21,200 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, KSU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($219 vs. $246).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KSU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 53%)

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.