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Carson-Newman University vs East Tennessee State University

Carson-Newman University is a private university in Jefferson City, TN. East Tennessee State University is a public university in Johnson City, TN. East Tennessee State University admits about 86% of applicants and Carson-Newman University about 90%, making East Tennessee State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $15,983 a year at East Tennessee State University after aid, and about $20,251 at Carson-Newman University. About 52% of students graduate at East Tennessee State University, compared with 50% at Carson-Newman University. Ten years after enrolling, Carson-Newman University alumni earn a median of about $48,382, against $44,859 for East Tennessee State University.

Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN · Private

East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Jefferson City, TN
Johnson City, TN
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,387
10,004
Acceptance rate
90%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.21–3.71
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
955–1215
980–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
19–25
19–26
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,251
$15,983
Full cost / yr
$49,024
$27,042
In-state tuition
$34,700
$10,472
Out-of-state tuition
$34,700
$14,522
Application fee
Not reported
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,672
$12,433
$30k - $48k
$16,446
$14,289
$48k - $75k
$17,313
$16,400
$75k - $110k
$21,209
$20,588
Over $110k
$28,621
$21,193
Outcomes
Graduation rate
50%
52%
Freshman retention
74%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$39,324
$38,704
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,382
$44,859
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$19,442
Student body
Pell grant recipients
33%
35%
First-generation students
35%
38%
International students
6%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 22

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Carson-Newman University or East Tennessee State University harder to get into?
East Tennessee State University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 90% at Carson-Newman University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Carson-Newman University or East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $15,983 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,251 at Carson-Newman University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Carson-Newman University and East Tennessee State University?
Before aid, East Tennessee State University costs about $27,042 a year and Carson-Newman University about $49,024. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Carson-Newman University or East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,433 there, against about $16,672 at Carson-Newman University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Carson-Newman University or East Tennessee State University?
East Tennessee State University is the larger of the two, with about 10,004 undergraduates against 1,387 at Carson-Newman University.
Does Carson-Newman University or East Tennessee State University have a better graduation rate?
East Tennessee State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 52% against 50% at Carson-Newman University.
Do graduates of Carson-Newman University or East Tennessee State University earn more?
Carson-Newman University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $48,382 ten years after enrolling, against about $44,859 for East Tennessee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Carson-Newman University and East Tennessee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Carson-Newman University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. East Tennessee State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Carson-Newman University and East Tennessee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 955–1215 at Carson-Newman University and 980–1200 at East Tennessee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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