Carson-Newman University vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carson Newman University is located in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carson Newman University 12:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Carson-Newman University vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carson-Newman University or Liberty 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 Liberty University ($20,895 vs. $29,532).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 14.7% lower than at Liberty University ($11,800 vs. $13,835).
• Carson Newman University is 54.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $12,235 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.5% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Liberty University (about $12,235 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Liberty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 124.9% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($28,090 vs. $12,489).

Carson-Newman University vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Liberty University (1150) is 60 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Liberty 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: Carson Newman University 955/1215; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 19/25; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carson-Newman University - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Carson-Newman University (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Carson-Newman University vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Carson-Newman University vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $286 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($23,880 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($246 vs. $249).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 36%)

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.