Carson-Newman University vs. VMI

Comparable Facts

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

Carson Newman University is larger than VMI based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 1,527 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carson Newman University is located in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting); Virginia Military Institute is in Lexington, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Military Institute is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carson Newman University 12:1; Virginia Military Institute 9:1.

Carson-Newman University vs. VMI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carson-Newman University or VMI? 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 Virginia Military Institute than Carson-Newman University ($18,825 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Military Institute are 4.2% lower than at Carson Newman University ($11,310 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 64.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than VMI (about $13,654 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $21,046.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.7% higher at VMI than at Carson Newman University (about $17,938 more per year; $52,638.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Virginia Military Institute (100% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 17.9% larger than aid received by Virginia Military Institute students ($28,090 vs. $23,821).

Carson-Newman University vs. VMI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Military Institute (1160) is 70 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming VMI students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 955/1215; Virginia Military Institute 1050/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 19/25; Virginia Military Institute 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carson-Newman University - Test optional; VMI - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VMI Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VMI students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Carson-Newman University (3.6).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than VMI (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Carson-Newman University vs. 31.7% at VMI.

Carson-Newman University vs. VMI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Virginia Military Institute's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Virginia Military Institute earn a median of about $20,400 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($62,100 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $1,120 lower median loan debt than VMI graduates ($23,880 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VMI graduates ($246 vs. $258).
• More VMI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carson-Newman University students, three years after graduation. (84% 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.