Carson-Newman University is a private nonprofit 4-year college in Jefferson City, Tennessee with 1,387 undergraduates. It admits 91% of applicants, costs an average of $18,130 a year after grants and graduates 54% of its students.
Figures from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, released October 15, 2026. What each number covers.
Carson-Newman University acceptance rate and admissions
Carson-Newman University admitted 91% of applicants for fall 2024. The median acceptance rate at 4-year colleges is 77%.
Test scores: Considered but not required (as reported for fall 2024 admission). That means you can apply without SAT or ACT scores. Check the admissions office for the current policy.
The colored band is the middle 50% of enrolled students in fall 2024 (reading and writing 500 to 645, math 455 to 570). The tick marks the typical 4-year college. Check how your scores fit.
Carson-Newman University application deadlines 2026-27
| Round | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Rolling admission | Applications reviewed as they arrive |
Application fee through the Common App: free for U.S. applicants. Confirm dates on Carson-Newman University’s admissions page; see every college on the deadline calendar.
Source: Common App 2026-27 first-year deadlines, fees and requirements grid, updated Sep 25, 2026.
Carson-Newman University tuition, cost and net price
| Tuition and fees (2025-26) | $38,700 |
|---|---|
| On-campus housing and food (2025-26) | $12,200 |
| Total cost of attendance (2024-25) | $50,237 |
| Average net price after grants (2024-25) | $18,130 |
Students who get federal aid pay an average of $18,130 a year after grants and scholarships, $32,107 less than the full cost of attendance.
What families pay, by income
Average yearly cost after grants for aided first-time students, by family income (2024-25):
Your own price depends on your family's full situation. Run Carson-Newman University's net price calculator for a personal estimate, or make a "what it costs us" card.
Carson-Newman University graduation rate, earnings and debt
- 54% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years (students who started in 2019).
- Former students earned a median of $51,756 a year, 10 years after they started (students who received federal aid and were working).
- Students who completed left with a median of $21,500 in federal student loans.
Earnings compared
Debt compared
Median debt is 42% of median earnings 10 years after entry. Many advisers suggest keeping total student debt below one year of expected pay. See the monthly payment.
Carson-Newman University majors and what graduates earn
Carson-Newman University awarded bachelor's degrees in 44 fields recently. The best-paid graduates four years out came from nursing ($70,769).
All 44 majors at Carson-Newman University
Four-year earnings: graduates of 2017-18 and 2018-19, measured in 2022 and 2023, in 2024 dollars. Fields with few graduates have no published earnings.
Graduate programs at Carson-Newman University
12 graduate programs awarded degrees recently. Largest first.
Show 12 graduate programs
| Program | Degree | Graduates (2023-24) | Earnings 1 yr after | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Master's | 95 | $96,625 | $46,153 |
| Business administration | Master's | 74 | $65,683 | $21,823 |
| Teacher education by grade level | Master's | 69 | $51,441 | $26,767 |
| Education leadership | Doctoral | 35 | $72,893 | $41,000 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Master's | 29 | n/a | $25,942 |
| Education leadership | Master's | 17 | $57,768 | n/a |
| Mental health counseling | Master's | 12 | $49,278 | n/a |
| Teaching English as a second language | Master's | 9 | $51,299 | n/a |
| Teacher education by subject | Master's | 8 | $58,279 | n/a |
| School counseling and student services | Master's | 5 | n/a | n/a |
| Special education | Master's | 4 | $50,737 | n/a |
| Divinity and ministry | Master's | 3 | n/a | n/a |
Students and location
- 1,387 degree-seeking undergraduates (fall 2024)
- 51% women, 49% men
- 12 students for every faculty member
- Setting: small suburb
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Frequently asked questions
What is the acceptance rate at Carson-Newman University?
Carson-Newman University admitted 91% of applicants for fall 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
How much does Carson-Newman University cost?
Tuition and fees for 2025-26 are $38,700. After grants and scholarships, aided students paid an average net price of $18,130 a year in 2024-25.
What SAT score do you need for Carson-Newman University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students scored 500 to 645 in reading and writing and 455 to 570 in math, and 19 to 25 on the ACT. Scores inside these ranges are typical for admitted students.
Is Carson-Newman University test-optional?
For fall 2024 admission, Carson-Newman University reported that test scores were: considered but not required. Policies change, so confirm with the admissions office.
What is the graduation rate at Carson-Newman University?
54% of first-time, full-time students finished within six years.
How much do Carson-Newman University graduates make?
Former students who received federal aid earned a median of $51,756 a year 10 years after they started, in 2024 dollars.
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More: all colleges in Tennessee · Carson-Newman University on the College Scorecard
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, data release of October 15, 2026. What each figure means and the year it covers.