Columbia College vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

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

Carson Newman University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 1,725 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia College vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College 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 Columbia College than Carson-Newman University ($18,790 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 20.4% lower than at Carson Newman University ($9,390 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 56.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $12,486 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 56.2% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Columbia College (about $12,486 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 70.7% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($28,090 vs. $16,451).

Columbia College vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College 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 Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 90 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Columbia College (3.56).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Carson-Newman University (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Columbia College vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $1,384 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($23,880 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($246 vs. $261).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 43%)

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.