Southwestern College vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Southwestern College in Winfield, KS 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 Southwestern College based on total student enrollment (2,669 students vs. 1,041 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Southwestern College vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southwestern 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 Southwestern College ($20,895 vs. $29,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern College are 2.8% lower than at Carson Newman University ($11,465 vs. $11,800).
• Southwestern College is 14.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carson-Newman University (about $5,122 more per year; $39,822.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.8% higher at Southwestern College than at Carson Newman University (about $5,122 more per year; $39,822.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Southwestern College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern College students is 3% larger than aid received by Carson Newman University students ($28,936 vs. $28,090).

Southwestern College vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carson Newman University (1090) is 30 points higher than at Southwestern College (1060).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Southwestern College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwestern College 900/1220; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southwestern College 17/22; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southwestern College - Test-free; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwestern College Aug 22, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Southwestern College (3.33).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Southwestern College (75.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.1% at Southwestern College vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Southwestern College vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southwestern 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).

• Southwestern College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Southwestern College earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,100 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $1,870 lower median loan debt than Southwestern College graduates ($23,880 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwestern College graduates ($246 vs. $266).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwestern College students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 57%)

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.