Carson-Newman University vs. Tennessee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Carson-Newman University vs. Tennessee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carson-Newman University or Tennessee State 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 Tennessee State University than Carson-Newman University ($14,586 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 5.5% lower than at Carson Newman University ($11,150 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 302.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $26,084 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.8% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Tennessee State University (about $12,284 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $22,416.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Tennessee State University (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 190.8% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($28,090 vs. $9,661).

Carson-Newman University vs. Tennessee State University Admissions comparison

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

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 120 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 955/1215; Tennessee State University 880/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 19/25; Tennessee State University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carson-Newman University - Test optional; Tennessee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Carson-Newman University vs. 13% at Tennessee State University.

Carson-Newman University vs. Tennessee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Carson Newman University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Tennessee State University's (36%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $3,300 more per year than Tennessee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $4,120 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($23,880 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($246 vs. $289).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 29%)

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.