Carson-Newman University Admission Requirements
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- Jefferson City, TN
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Carson-Newman University Admission Overview
Carson-Newman University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Carson-Newman University admitted 90.4% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.6 GPA (A-) and SAT 955-1215 / ACT 19-25. Carson-Newman University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Carson-Newman University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
Carson-Newman University Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for Carson Newman University
Acceptance Rate
The Carson-Newman University acceptance rate is 90.4%. Last year, 2,225 of 2,460 applicants were admitted. That is the 32nd lowest acceptance rate in Tennessee.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Carson-Newman University and can you get accepted?
Carson-Newman University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
Carson Newman University typically attracts "A-" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.6. 17% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Carson-Newman University GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.6Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
A-Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.6
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at Carson-Newman University typically have around a 3.6 GPA (A-) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have very good grades in high school. Carson-Newman University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
29% of enrolled freshmen had a 4.0. The school ranks #17 in Tennessee for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Carson-Newman University SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
955-1215Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
5%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 500
- Math 455
- Composite 955
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 645
- Math 570
- Composite 1215
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at Carson-Newman University typically score around a 1090 SAT (middle 50% 955–1215) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 57th percentile nationally. Carson-Newman University ranks #21 in the state of Tennessee for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 955 to 1215
SAT policy
Carson-Newman University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1090 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Carson-Newman University ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
19-25Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
70%25th Percentile Scores
- English 17
- Math 17
- Composite 19
75th Percentile Scores
- English 25
- Math 25
- Composite 25
Average ACT
Incoming testers at Carson-Newman University typically have around a 22 ACT (mid-50 19–25) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 63rd percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Carson-Newman University places #14 among colleges in Tennessee for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 19 to 25
ACT policy
You may apply to Carson-Newman University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 22.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the Carson-Newman University chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Carson Newman University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Carson Newman University is $0. The school is free to apply to.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
Carson-Newman University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 90.4% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.6 GPA (about an A- average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (955-1215); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to Carson Newman University often consider these colleges
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219806.
GPA calculator: Carson Newman University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026