Guilford College vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Guilford College in Greensboro, NC 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 Guilford College based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 1,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Guilford College vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Guilford 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 Carson Newman University than Guilford College ($20,895 vs. $22,270).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 11.9% lower than at Guilford College ($11,800 vs. $13,400).
• Guilford College is 19.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carson-Newman University (about $6,662 more per year; $41,362.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.2% higher at Guilford College than at Carson Newman University (about $6,662 more per year; $41,362.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Guilford College as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Guilford College students is 19% larger than aid received by Carson Newman University students ($33,419 vs. $28,090).

Guilford College vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Guilford College (1190) is 100 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Guilford College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Guilford College 1120/1260; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Guilford College 18/24; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Guilford College - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Guilford College (3.14).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Guilford College (80%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.1% at Guilford College vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Guilford College vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Guilford 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).

• Guilford College's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than Guilford College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $2,755 lower median loan debt than Guilford College graduates ($23,880 vs. $26,635).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Guilford College graduates ($246 vs. $275).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Guilford College students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 51%)

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.