Carson-Newman University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carson Newman University is located in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting); Radford University is in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carson Newman University 12:1; Radford University 14:1.

Carson-Newman University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carson-Newman University or RU? 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 Radford University than Carson-Newman University ($16,749 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 5.6% lower than at Radford University ($11,800 vs. $12,504).
• Carson Newman University is 176.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $22,152 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.4% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Radford University (about $9,067 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Radford University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 136.6% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($28,090 vs. $11,870).

Carson-Newman University vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 40 points higher than at RU (1050).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at RU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 955/1215; Radford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 19/25; Radford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carson-Newman University - Test optional; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at RU (3.31).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than RU (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Carson-Newman University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Carson-Newman University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Radford University graduates have a $880 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($23,000 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, RU graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($237 vs. $246).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carson-Newman University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.