Carson-Newman University
Carson-Newman University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Carson-Newman University at a Glance
Carson-Newman University is a private university in Jefferson City, Tennessee, United States. Carson-Newman is affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. Founded in 1851, the university enrolls about 2,500 students. Studies are offered in approximately 90 different academic programs.
1851
175 years old
$76M
$75.5 million (2024)
2,735
1,669 undergrad · 1,066 grad
122
200 acres
Identity
Is Carson-Newman University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Carson-Newman University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,382 — 10% below average — while paying $20,251/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 90% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Carson-Newman University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Carson-Newman University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in TN
Ranked #68 of 140 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #5 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #6 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #68 | Carson-Newman University | 30 | $20,251 | $48,382 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Carson-Newman University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in TN.
Best Programs at Carson-Newman University
The highest-earning program at Carson-Newman University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $49,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $34,300/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Carson-Newman University earns $49,200, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $34,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $22,568 in median debt vs. $24,440 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $20,251/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $49,200 | $49,200 | $22,568 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $35,100 | $35,100 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $34,300 | $34,300 | $24,440 |
Similar Colleges in TN
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Jefferson City, TN
- Student Body
- 1,387 students
- Admission Rate
- 90%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $20,251
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,382
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500