Carson-Newman University vs. VCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN with Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia Commonwealth University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (28,464 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carson Newman University is located in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting); Virginia Commonwealth University is in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Virginia Commonwealth University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carson Newman University 12:1; Virginia Commonwealth University 17:1.

Carson-Newman University vs. VCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carson-Newman University or VCU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Carson Newman University than VCU ($20,895 vs. $26,836).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 35.4% lower than at Virginia Commonwealth University ($11,800 vs. $18,254).
• Carson Newman University is 104.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than VCU (about $17,755 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $16,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.6% higher at VCU than at Carson Newman University (about $5,409 more per year; $40,109.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Virginia Commonwealth University (100% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 98% larger than aid received by Virginia Commonwealth University students ($28,090 vs. $14,186).

Carson-Newman University vs. VCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carson-Newman University or VCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between VCU and Carson-Newman University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Virginia Commonwealth University (1140) is 50 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming VCU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 955/1215; Virginia Commonwealth University 1010/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carson Newman University 19/25; Virginia Commonwealth University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carson-Newman University - Test optional; VCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VCU Jan 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman VCU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Carson-Newman University (3.6).
• VCU has a higher acceptance rate (92.6%) than Carson-Newman University (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.8% at Carson-Newman University vs. 21.6% at VCU.

Carson-Newman University vs. VCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carson-Newman University and VCU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Virginia Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University earn a median of about $5,800 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,500 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Virginia Commonwealth University graduates have a $630 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($23,250 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, VCU graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($240 vs. $246).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VCU students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 56%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.