Carson-Newman University vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

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

Lee University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carson Newman University is located in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carson Newman University 12:1; Lee University 13:1.

Carson-Newman University vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carson-Newman University or Lee 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 Lee University than Carson-Newman University ($20,416 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 14.3% lower than at Carson Newman University ($10,110 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 45.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $10,910 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.9% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Lee University (about $10,910 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 81.6% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($28,090 vs. $15,467).

Carson-Newman University vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lee University (1140) is 50 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Lee University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 955/1215; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 19/25; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carson-Newman University - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Carson-Newman University (3.6).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Carson-Newman University vs. 35% at Lee University.

Carson-Newman University vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Lee University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $3,120 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($23,880 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 60%)

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.