About

About Carson-Newman University

baptist faith traditionsmall class sizesdoctoral programshealth sciences focus

Carson-Newman University is a private university in Jefferson City, TN, known for its baptist faith tradition, small class sizes, and doctoral programs. With an acceptance rate of 80%, Carson-Newman University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 301 students each year. Carson-Newman University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 980–1143, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Carson-Newman University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $25,301 per year; the sticker price of $45,516 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Carson-Newman University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

80%
Overall Accept Rate
1062
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 980 – 1143 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Carson-Newman University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Carson-Newman is a Baptist-affiliated university where faith and learning are genuinely integrated into campus life, so if your faith background or values connect with that mission, weave that authentically into your essays and application rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Test Score Strategy
Carson-Newman is test-optional, and if your score falls below the middle range of admitted students, you are better off focusing the admissions committee on your GPA, activities, and character rather than submitting a score that could work against you.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Carson-Newman University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$46k/yr$16.7k
30k-48k~$46k/yr$16.4k
48k-75k~$46k/yr$17.3k
75k-110k~$46k/yr$21.2k
110k+~$46k/yr$28.6k

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Personalize this page

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

46%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$39k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
14:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,647
Undergrad Enrollment
Carson-Newman University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch