Lander University vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

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

Lander University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (4,378 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lander University is located in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lander University 18:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

Lander University vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lander University 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 Lander University than Carson-Newman University ($15,520 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 2.5% lower than at Lander University ($11,800 vs. $12,100).
• Carson Newman University is 196.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $23,000 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.9% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Lander University (about $13,400 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $21,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Lander University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 129.6% larger than aid received by Lander University students ($28,090 vs. $12,232).

Lander University vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lander University 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 Lander University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 30 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Lander University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lander University 950/1178; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lander University 16/23; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lander University - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lander University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Carson-Newman University (3.6).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Lander University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.7% at Lander University vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Lander University vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lander University 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 Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $37,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $3,120 lower median loan debt than Lander University graduates ($23,880 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lander University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 46%)

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.