90.45%

Acceptance Rate

$19,477

Avg.Financial Aid

003481

FAFSA Code

Carson Newman University Report Card

Selectivity
90.5% acceptance rate
Academics
C+
53% graduation rate
Class Size
C+
13:1 student-faculty ratio
Value
B-
$34,700 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

Key Facts: Carson Newman University

Institution
Carson Newman University
Type
Private not-for-profit

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified July 2026. Citable source →

Carson Newman University

  • Type Control of Institution - Public/Private

    Private, Not-For-Profit

  • Acceptance Rate:

    N/A

  • Level

    4 Years

  • Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.

    Baptist

  • Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.

    SACSCOC

  • Website

    www.cn.edu
  • Student Population Number of Students attending College

    1,387

  • On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?

    Yes

Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, Tennessee serves around 2,000 students as a Baptist institution with genuine commitment to Christian liberal arts education. The liberal arts core creates intellectual breadth alongside specialized major work. Business, nursing, and education programs maintain solid reputation and practical focus. If you're interested in ministry preparation, religious studies, or Christian leadership, you'll find faculty with authentic theological engagement and mentorship. This is a place where faith and learning are explicitly integrated, not compartmentalized.

What distinguishes Carson Newman is the integration of Baptist values and intellectual openness. This is a Christian university that takes faith seriously while genuinely engaging diverse perspectives. Class sizes are small; discussion-based learning and seminar formats dominate. Your education will include wrestling with theological questions, but also studying literature, science, history, and philosophy with intellectual rigor. The campus community is supportive and inclusive; you're invited into genuine dialogue.

The Tennessee mountain location provides genuine advantages—natural beauty, outdoor recreation, tight-knit community—with proximity to Knoxville and broader region. The residential community is engaged and formative. Student life includes genuine programming, volunteer opportunities, and peer mentorship. The university offers strong financial aid and actively recruits students seeking Christian liberal arts education. For students pursuing Christian education while seeking broad intellectual formation, Carson Newman delivers authentic residential college experience in scenic East Tennessee setting.

Location & Contact

Address

1646 S Russell Ave, Jefferson City, Tennessee

Contact

Phone: (865) 471-2000
Find Your School

Rankings

The rankings provided by Forbes and US News are trusted everywhere, as long as US universities are concerned. Usually, the rankings of colleges/universities by Forbes and US News are considered trustworthy by applicants and experts. However, Carson-Newman University doesn't feature in the list of top colleges, according to the latest rankings of these two publications. Generally, the ranking of a university is a great way to gauge its performance on several factors like research excellence, the performance of its students after graduation, student experience, and academic success.

Admissions

  • Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.

    None

  • Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.

    90.45%

  • SAT Range

    960 - 1168

  • SAT/ACT

    Required

  • ACT Range

    20 - 26

  • High School GPA

    Required

  • Application Fee

    FALSE$

  • Accept Common App

    None

The students can make the most out of the admission process as the admission at the university is easy. Carson-Newman University has 4 admission thresholds. Along with the admission form, the students have to deposit a non-refundable fee to complete the application process. If the SAT score of a student lies in the range of 923-1178, it would improve her chances. Notably, students securing ACT score less than 19 might also given admission but the average ACT score at Carson-Newman University is 24. The candidates can apply for the courses online. However, in case they need information or want to feel the vibes, they visit the school's office at 1646 S Russell Ave, Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760. They can also call them at (865) 471-2000.

Annual Cost to Attend

  • Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.

    $20,251

  • Average Annual Cost

    $34,700

Additional Costs:

  • Books And Supplies

    $41,320

  • Other Fees

    $1,200

  • Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.

    $8,810

  • Budget For Other Expenses

    $3,010

Total One Year Cost

$41,320

Tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure are the next two things that a student should keep in mind before applying to CNU. The annual full-time cost of attendance comes out to be approximately $41,675. The average annual tuition cost ($28,900), books and supplies ($1,600), room and boarding ($8,724), and budget for other expenses ($3,059) are all included in this cost. For students seeking financial assistance, the university offers a number of options.

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Doctor's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

13:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

74%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

N/A

Academic Calendar

Semester

Research Funding per Student

N/A

Faculty Overview

49%

Male Professors

51%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Most Popular Majors:

  • Business Administration, Management...

    54 Graduates

  • Registered Nursing, Administration,...

    35 Graduates

  • Psychology, General

    32 Graduates

  • Health/Medical Preparatory Programs

    26 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    25 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    23 Graduates

  • Religion/Religious Studies

    19 Graduates

  • Accounting and Related Services

    17 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    25 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    23 Graduates

  • Religion/Religious Studies

    19 Graduates

  • Accounting and Related Services

    17 Graduates

  • Health and Physical Education/Fitne...

    16 Graduates

  • Psychology, Other

    16 Graduates

  • Communication and Media Studies

    15 Graduates

  • Biology, General

    13 Graduates

  • Human Services, General

    12 Graduates

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General...

    12 Graduates

  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and...

    12 Graduates

  • Special Education and Teaching

    12 Graduates

  • Music

    10 Graduates

  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecu...

    9 Graduates

  • Political Science and Government

    9 Graduates

  • Film/Video and Photographic Arts

    7 Graduates

  • Sociology

    7 Graduates

  • Design and Applied Arts

    6 Graduates

  • Physics

    6 Graduates

  • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing St...

    6 Graduates

  • Chemistry

    5 Graduates

  • Finance and Financial Management Se...

    5 Graduates

  • Linguistic, Comparative, and Relate...

    5 Graduates

  • Mathematics

    5 Graduates

  • Apparel and Textiles

    4 Graduates

  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, an...

    4 Graduates

  • Philosophy

    4 Graduates

  • Economics

    3 Graduates

  • English Language and Literature, Ge...

    3 Graduates

  • History

    3 Graduates

  • Business/Managerial Economics

    2 Graduates

  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Se...

    2 Graduates

  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

    2 Graduates

  • Fine and Studio Arts

    2 Graduates

  • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Servi...

    2 Graduates

  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Ot...

    2 Graduates

  • Bible/Biblical Studies

    1 Graduates

  • Computer Science

    1 Graduates

  • Family and Consumer Economics and R...

    1 Graduates

  • Human Development, Family Studies,...

    1 Graduates

  • Management Information Systems and...

    1 Graduates

Show More

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

1,774

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

41%

Full-time / Part-time

94% / 6%

Students Gender

Male

41%

US National: 44%

Female

59%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

80%

Unknown

1%

Black

8%

Hispanic

3%

Two or more races

3%

Non Resident alien

3%

Asian

1%

American Indian/Alaska native

1%

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

0%

Geographic Density

Geographic Density

High

0%

Unknown Location

19%

Out Of State

79%

In State

2%

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$53,143 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and 84% of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

No

Freshmen Live on Campus

84%

Undergrads in College Housing

N/A

Averege Housing Cost

$3,930/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $4,880/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$4,880/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Eagles

School Colors

orange and blue

Varsity Athletics Association

NCAA

Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

South Atlantic Conference

Total Male Athletes

337

Total Female Athletes

151

Intramural Sports

19

Sports Club

N/A

Sports Team (Men)

Baseball

Basketball

Cross Country

Football

Golf

Soccer

Swimming and Diving

Tennis

Track and Field

Sports Team (Women)

Basketball

Cheerleading-Dance Team

Cross Country

Golf

Soccer

Softball

Swimming and Diving

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Beach Volleyball

Campus Security

The university offers on-campus housing facilities to the students who wish to stay on the campus. A candidate will be needed to pay a normal expense of $8,724 per year for living on campus. The university has enrolled around 40% male and 60% female students.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$31,500/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$36,000/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$19,808 - $27,000

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$206 - $280

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

100%

Average Aid Per Year

$19,477

Students Receiving Federal Grants

47%

Average Aid Per Year

$4,680

Students Receiving State Aid

70%

Average Aid Per Year

$5,081

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

100%

Average Aid Per Year

$13,780

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$23,096

$30K - $48K

$21,178

$48K - $75K

$20,239

$75K - $110K

$17,036

> $110K

$14,746

Total Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$2,728,265

Total Non-Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$2,658,185

As mentioned, if one finds the fees and cost of living at CNU to be on the higher side, the financial aid department of the varsity would be of huge assistance. They can assist students with scholarships, grants, and student loans as well. The average federal grant that comes from the university is around $5,438, whereas the financial aid is $14,721. The university provides financial assistance in the form of state-level aid worth $5,366 and institutional aid worth $14,721. The total need-based scholarships/grants offered at CNU based on students' financial needs add up to $2,728,265 per year. Meanwhile, the total non-need-based scholarships/grants in a year come to around $2,658,185.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carson Newman University

How hard is it to get into Carson Newman University?

Carson Newman University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 90.5%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does Carson Newman University cost?

Tuition at Carson Newman University is approximately $34,700 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend Carson Newman University?

Carson Newman University enrolls approximately 1,387 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at Carson Newman University?

The graduation rate at Carson Newman University is 53%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Carson Newman University?

The student-faculty ratio at Carson Newman University is 13:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for Carson Newman University?

Carson Newman University typically admits students with SAT scores in the range of 500-645 (Reading) and 455-570 (Math) and ACT composite scores of 19-25. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is Carson Newman University a public or private university?

Carson Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution.

When is the application deadline for Carson Newman University?

Application deadlines at Carson Newman University vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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