SCAD vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Savannah College of Art and Design is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (18,550 students vs. 2,669 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Savannah College of Art and Design is located in Savannah, GA (Midsize City setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Savannah College of Art and Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Savannah College of Art and Design 21:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

SCAD vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SCAD 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 SCAD ($20,895 vs. $50,821).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 34.9% lower than at Savannah College of Art and Design ($11,800 vs. $18,123).
• Savannah College of Art and Design is 20% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carson-Newman University (about $6,930 more per year; $41,630.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20% higher at SCAD than at Carson Newman University (about $6,930 more per year; $41,630.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Savannah College of Art and Design (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 118% larger than aid received by Savannah College of Art and Design students ($28,090 vs. $12,884).

SCAD vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SCAD or Carson-Newman University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Carson-Newman University and SCAD.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Savannah College of Art and Design (1150) is 60 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming SCAD students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Savannah College of Art and Design 1030/1270; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Savannah College of Art and Design 21/28; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SCAD - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at SCAD (3.56).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than SCAD (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26.4% at SCAD vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

SCAD vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SCAD and Carson-Newman University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Savannah College of Art and Design's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than SCAD 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 SCAD graduates ($23,880 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SCAD graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SCAD students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 55%)

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.