USC Aiken vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

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

University of South Carolina Aiken is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (4,022 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of South Carolina Aiken is located in Aiken, SC (Rural Fringe setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• University of South Carolina Aiken is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of South Carolina Aiken 16:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

USC Aiken vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USC Aiken 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 University of South Carolina Aiken than Carson-Newman University ($12,236 vs. $20,895).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of South Carolina Aiken are 22.2% lower than at Carson Newman University ($9,182 vs. $11,800).
• Carson Newman University is 222.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than USC Aiken (about $23,940 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $10,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.5% higher at Carson-Newman University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (about $13,482 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $21,218.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at University of South Carolina Aiken (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 215.5% larger than aid received by University of South Carolina Aiken students ($28,090 vs. $8,904).

USC Aiken vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USC Aiken 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 USC Aiken.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Carolina Aiken (1100) is 10 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming USC Aiken students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Carson-Newman University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 980/1220; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of South Carolina Aiken 19/26; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USC Aiken - Required; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: USC Aiken Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at USC Aiken (3.19).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than USC Aiken (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.2% at USC Aiken vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

USC Aiken vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USC Aiken 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 University of South Carolina Aiken's (41%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than USC Aiken graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $39,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carson Newman University graduates have a $2,120 lower median loan debt than USC Aiken graduates ($23,880 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Carson-Newman University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USC Aiken graduates ($246 vs. $268).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USC Aiken students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 54%)

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.