Carson-Newman University

Private · Moderately Selective · TN

Photo: Ser Amantio di Nicolao (CC BY-SA 4.0)

School data & stats

TypePrivate

LocationTN · South

SettingSuburban

Undergrads1,387

Student:faculty12:1

Outcomes

4-yr grad rate45.2%

6-yr grad rate53.2%

Drop-out rate25.8%

Study abroad—

Cost

In-state tuition$35k

Out-of-state tuition$35k

Application fee—

Community

Racial diversity27.8%

Gender diversity50.8%

International5.7%

IdentityBaptist

Overview

Carson-Newman University is a Baptist university in Jefferson City, Tennessee, set in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. Its identity blends a Christian mission with a residential, service-oriented campus culture, and the mountain setting shapes both outdoor recreation and a close-knit community feel.

Academics

Nursing, education, and ministry preparation are the clearest strengths, each carrying strong professional or vocational outcomes. The curriculum integrates Christian faith formation across disciplines, and class sizes stay small enough for direct faculty relationships.

Campus & student life

Chapel and Christian community life are woven into the rhythm of campus, and the Smoky Mountains setting supports an active outdoors culture alongside more traditional college social life.

Getting in

Admission considers fit with the university's Baptist mission alongside academic record, and essays or conversations touching on faith and service commitments are common in the application experience.

After graduation

Graduates in nursing and education find steady regional placement, and ministry graduates move into churches and faith-based organizations across the Southeast.

cn.edu ↗

Admissions

Acceptance rate90.5%

Enrolled mid-50%SAT 955–1215 · ACT 19–25

Test policyoptional

Rec letters0

Deadlines (2026–27 cycle)

AdmissionRolling

Applying