CSU vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

CSU vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU or Carson-Newman 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 CSU ($20,895 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 3.3% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,800 vs. $12,200).
• Carson Newman University is 6.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSU (about $2,180 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.7% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Charleston Southern University (about $2,180 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $32,520.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Charleston Southern University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 20.9% larger than aid received by Charleston Southern University students ($28,090 vs. $23,240).

CSU vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 40 points higher than at CSU (1050).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at CSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.36 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at CSU (3.24).
• CSU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Carson-Newman University (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

CSU vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU and Carson-Newman 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 Charleston Southern University's (38%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than CSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $39,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $3,120 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($23,880 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CSU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 50%)

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.