Southwest Baptist University vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO 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 Southwest Baptist University based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 2,199 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Southwest Baptist University vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwest Baptist 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 Carson Newman University than Southwest Baptist University ($20,895 vs. $21,336).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Baptist University are 17.2% lower than at Carson Newman University ($9,776 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 13.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Baptist University (about $4,134 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $30,566.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.5% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Southwest Baptist University (about $4,134 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $30,566.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Southwest Baptist University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 47.5% larger than aid received by Southwest Baptist University students ($28,090 vs. $19,043).

Southwest Baptist University vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southwest Baptist 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 Southwest Baptist University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 80 points higher than at Southwest Baptist University (1010).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Southwest Baptist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Baptist University 810/1210; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwest Baptist University 17/26; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwest Baptist University - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Southwest Baptist University (3.55).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Southwest Baptist University (68.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.3% at Southwest Baptist University vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Southwest Baptist University vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southwest Baptist 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).

• Southwest Baptist University's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Southwest Baptist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have a $2,793 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($21,087 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Baptist University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($218 vs. $246).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Baptist University 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.