ECU vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

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

East Carolina University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (26,940 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC (Small City setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• East Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Carolina University 17:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

ECU vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECU 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 East Carolina University than Carson-Newman University ($13,755 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Carolina University are 2.2% lower than at Carson Newman University ($11,541 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 371.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $27,339 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $7,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 46.8% higher at Carson-Newman University than at East Carolina University (about $11,062 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $23,638.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at East Carolina University (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 187.3% larger than aid received by East Carolina University students ($28,090 vs. $9,776).

ECU vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECU 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 ECU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Carolina University (1160) is 70 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming ECU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 1070/1240; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 21/26; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECU - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at ECU (3.33).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than ECU (89.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at ECU vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

ECU vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECU 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).

• East Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from East Carolina University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,900 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $908 lower median loan debt than ECU graduates ($23,880 vs. $24,788).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ECU graduates ($246 vs. $256).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 63%)

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.