SWU vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southern Wesleyan University in Central, 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 SWU based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 980 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Wesleyan University is located in Central, SC (Distant Town setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Southern Wesleyan University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Wesleyan University 10:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

SWU vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SWU 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 Southern Wesleyan University than Carson-Newman University ($20,134 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 14.2% lower than at Carson Newman University ($10,126 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 16.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWU (about $4,900 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.4% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Southern Wesleyan University (about $4,900 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Southern Wesleyan University as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 44.1% larger than aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students ($28,090 vs. $19,498).

SWU vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SWU 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 SWU.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 40 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming SWU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Southern Wesleyan University 22/28; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SWU - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman SWU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Carson-Newman University (3.6).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than Carson-Newman University (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 33.4% at SWU vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

SWU vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SWU 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.

• Carson Newman University's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Southern Wesleyan University's (42%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $3,120 lower median loan debt than SWU graduates ($23,880 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($246 vs. $279).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 50%)

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.