About Carson-Newman University
Students pay an average net price of $18,661 after financial aid, less than the $34,700 sticker price. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with $21,500 in debt. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $48,382. Monthly loan payments average $228, making the financial commitment manageable for most graduates. The employment rate reaches 95.7%, suggesting strong job prospects for Eagles.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors. However, only 46.4% of students graduate within six years, and the 73.6% retention rate indicates some students struggle to persist. The campus houses 1,147 students, creating a tight-knit residential community where three-quarters of students come from Tennessee.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 53.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.4%
- Retention Rate
- 73.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,382
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $85,760 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $52,107 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,829 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $50,499 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,465 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $49,331 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,798 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,853 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $37,054 |
Campus Life
The Baptist heritage shapes campus life with required chapel services and a dry campus policy. With 541 student-athletes competing across 21 varsity sports, game days draw crowds to Eagle athletic events. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the close-knit community creates lifelong friendships. Students often head to nearby Douglas Lake for outdoor recreation or make the drive to Knoxville for urban amenities. Campus traditions include Homecoming festivities and spring formal events. The small-town setting means most social life centers on campus activities, residence hall programming, and intramural sports rather than off-campus nightlife.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 1,147 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–46°F
- July Avg
- 63°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 45.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- -773.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.1%
- Women
- 50.9%
- White
- 71.2%
- Black
- 10.6%
- Hispanic
- 6.0%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 73.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 39.2%
Location
- Address
- Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $48,382
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $47,783
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $33,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 64.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Carson-Newman University?
Carson-Newman accepts 79.78% of applicants, making admission fairly accessible for most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980-1143 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a broad range of academic backgrounds within its Baptist educational mission.
How much does Carson-Newman University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $18,661 after aid, less than the $46,807 sticker price. About 39% of students receive Pell Grants, and the university provides institutional grants averaging $23,766 to help make this Christian education affordable for Tennessee families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Carson-Newman University?
Carson-Newman maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,374 total students. This small scale allows for personalized attention and close mentoring relationships that are central to the university's liberal arts approach and Baptist educational philosophy.
What do graduates of Carson-Newman University typically earn?
Alumni earn a median of $48,382 ten years after graduation, with a strong 95.7% employment rate. The 46.40% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete their degrees find solid career opportunities with manageable debt loads averaging $21,500.
Where is Carson-Newman University located and what is campus life like?
The university sits in Jefferson City, Tennessee, a small suburban community that provides a close-knit college town atmosphere. With housing for 1,147 students and a 73.58% retention rate, campus life centers around the university's Baptist heritage and strong sense of community among the Eagles.
How competitive are athletics at Carson-Newman University?
Carson-Newman competes in NCAA Division II with 21 varsity sports and 541 total athletes. The university invests $5,585,556 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating its commitment to competitive athletics within the South Atlantic Conference while maintaining its focus on Christian character development.
