Carson-Newman University's published cost of attendance is $49,024. Net price by income band reveals how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $16,672, middle-income families pay around $17,313, and higher-income families pay approximately $28,621.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $49,024 |
| Tuition and Fees | $34,700 |
| Room and Board | $11,800 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$28,773 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,251 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $16,672 |
| $30–48k | $16,446 |
| $48–75k | $17,313 |
| $75–110k | $21,209 |
| $110k+ | $28,621 |
Carson-Newman University's published cost of attendance is $49,024. Net price by income band reveals how financial aid reshapes that headline figure: low-income families pay approximately $16,672, middle-income families pay around $17,313, and higher-income families pay approximately $28,621. Azimuth ranks Carson-Newman University #569 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Carson-Newman participates in federal need-based aid programs (Pell Grants, Direct Loans) and institutional aid. The institution's aid structure combines need-based scholarships with merit-based aid, allowing families to compare net cost across different income levels. For families evaluating affordability, the contrast between sticker price and actual net price matters significantly — net price and sticker price can differ substantially, and Carson-Newman's aid packages reflect that gap. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $21,500, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $17,541; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $53,936, median federal debt of $21,500 projects to a monthly payment of about $243 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Carson-Newman University earn median 4-year earnings of $53,936, placing Carson-Newman University in the 13.6 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Carson-Newman University sits in the 51.8 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Carson-Newman University #1043 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Carson-Newman's concentration in business and applied professional fields. Business Administration is the largest program with 52 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $64,503, performing at 0.9x the national benchmark for the field. The Nursing program graduates 47 students earning $70,769 four years after enrollment, while Kinesiology and Psychology, General round out the top program lineup with 46 and 26 graduates respectively. These programs anchor Carson-Newman's return profile and reflect the institution's focus on fields with direct workforce pathways and stable employer demand.
