At $18,661/yr net price, Carson-Newman University graduates earn $48,382/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,382/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,661 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,644 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,382/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,382/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,134/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,829/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,326/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,387/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,010/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $85,760 | $41,234 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $52,107 | $41,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $51,829 | $24,250 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $50,499 | $23,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $50,465 | $18,133 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $49,331 | $19,118 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,853 | $27,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $21,954 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $37,054 | $19,207 |
The Risk Factor
46.4% of students at Carson-Newman University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Carson-Newman University delivers strong returns for nursing students but weak outcomes for most other majors. The nursing program produces graduates earning over $85,000 annually, making it one of the better financial bets among Tennessee private colleges despite higher debt loads around $41,000.
Your major choice determines everything at Carson-Newman. Business administration graduates earn solid mid-career salaries around $50,000 with manageable debt under $20,000. Educational administration shows mixed results with decent earnings but variable debt levels. Most other programs struggle to justify the investment given the school's overall graduate median earnings of $48,382.
The 46% graduation rate creates serious financial risk. Nearly half of students leave without degrees but often with debt. The 74% retention rate suggests many students transfer rather than drop out entirely, but this still represents wasted time and money for families.
Carson-Newman works financially if you enter nursing or business with strong academic credentials and clear career goals. The school's location in rural East Tennessee limits networking opportunities compared to urban campuses, making program quality more important than prestige.
Avoid Carson-Newman if you are undecided about your major or interested in liberal arts fields with poor earning potential. The relatively high net price of $18,661 annually demands confidence in your chosen path. Only 39% of students receive aid, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities for middle-income families.
Consider this school primarily as a nursing pipeline with some business program value. The combination of modest graduation rates and high costs makes it risky for exploratory students who might find better value at Tennessee public universities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carson-Newman University worth the cost?
Carson-Newman's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn around $50,000-$85,000 annually, making the $18,661 net price reasonable, but the 46% graduation rate means many students pay without finishing their degree.
What is the ROI for Carson-Newman University graduates?
With average earnings of $48,382 ten years after graduation and typical debt of $21,500, Carson-Newman provides modest returns. The nursing programs offer the best financial outcomes, while other majors may struggle to justify the cost.
How much debt do Carson-Newman University students graduate with?
The median debt is $21,500, which is manageable for nursing graduates earning $50,000-$85,000. However, graduates in lower-paying fields may find this debt burden challenging given the school's average starting salaries.
Which programs at Carson-Newman University have the best job prospects?
Nursing programs clearly lead in earnings potential, with some specialties reaching $85,760 annually. Educational administration graduates earn around $52,000, while business administration typically starts near $50,000.