Carson-Newman University stands out for its commitment to student success, demonstrated by exceptional loan repayment outcomes and zero federal loan defaults among graduates.
The university combines broad access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students with the close faculty relationships and personalized support that come with a small private college environment.
Carson-Newman University is a small private nonprofit institution in Jefferson City, Tennessee, that emphasizes personal attention and community-centered education. While the university faces some challenges with overall completion rates and earnings outcomes that fall slightly below national averages, it maintains strengths in specific professional programs and provides meaningful access for first-generation and moderate-income students. Nearly 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and about 35% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to serving students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
The university's approach centers on small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which helps explain why students in programs like nursing and business administration often achieve solid career outcomes despite the institution's overall modest earnings profile. Carson-Newman graduates earn a median of $48,382 ten years after enrollment, which places the university around the 42nd percentile nationally for long-term earnings among similar institutions.
As a small Christian university, Carson-Newman offers the intimacy and values-based education that many students seek, though families should understand that the financial return on investment may be more modest compared to larger public universities or more selective private institutions. For students who prioritize community, faith integration, and personalized attention over maximum earnings potential, Carson-Newman provides a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.
Carson-Newman University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a comprehensive Christian university serving regional workforce needs. The strongest outcomes come from the nursing program, which graduates 52 students annually with median earnings of $50,499, reflecting the high demand for healthcare professionals and the university's hands-on clinical training approach. This program represents Carson-Newman's ability to deliver strong professional preparation in high-need fields.
Business Administration serves as the university's largest program with 65 graduates, producing median earnings of $36,745 that are typical for general business degrees from smaller institutions. The program's size reflects student demand for business skills, though outcomes vary significantly based on specific career paths and geographic location after graduation. Education programs, including the specialized Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed, show earnings around $37,054, which aligns with typical teacher and social services compensation in Tennessee and surrounding states.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, service-oriented fields that align with regional employment needs and the institution's Christian mission. While earnings may be more modest than at larger research universities, Carson-Newman's small class sizes and close faculty mentorship help students develop the professional networks and practical skills that support long-term career stability in healthcare, education, and business fields.
Carson-Newman University graduates earn a median of $48,382 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the national average for similar private colleges. While these earnings are solid for many career paths, they reflect the university's focus on fields like education, business, and healthcare rather than higher-paying technical or finance-oriented programs. The university's small size and regional focus mean that many graduates build careers in Tennessee and surrounding states, where cost of living tends to be moderate and earnings stretch reasonably well.
The strongest financial outcomes come from Carson-Newman's nursing program, where 52 graduates earn a median of $50,499 early in their careers, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region. Business Administration, the university's largest program with 65 graduates, produces median earnings of $36,745, which is typical for general business degrees from smaller institutions. Education programs, including special education, show earnings around $37,054, reflecting the stable but modest pay scales common in teaching and social services.
While Carson-Newman's overall earnings profile is moderate, the university's strength lies in preparing students for meaningful careers in service-oriented fields. The small class sizes and close faculty relationships help students develop the professional networks and practical skills that matter for long-term career satisfaction, even if the immediate financial returns are more modest than at larger research universities or highly selective private colleges.
Carson-Newman University's affordability varies significantly by family income, with the most support going to students from lower-income backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $15,134 per year after aid, which is competitive for a private institution, while middle-income families see net prices around $17,326 annually. Higher-income families face steeper costs at about $25,010 per year, reflecting the university's strategy of using institutional aid to support students with the greatest financial need.
Debt levels at Carson-Newman are manageable for most graduates, though they require careful planning. Typical students leave with about $21,500 in federal student loan debt, which is reasonable given the university's private status and the earnings outcomes in key programs like nursing and business. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,386, a moderate level that reflects many families' need to bridge the gap between aid and total costs. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that most graduates are able to manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes Carson-Newman financially sustainable for many families is the combination of targeted aid for lower-income students and the university's focus on career-oriented programs that lead to stable employment. While the upfront costs are higher than public universities, the personalized attention and strong alumni networks in fields like healthcare and education help graduates find jobs and build careers that support their debt obligations over time.
Carson-Newman University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
