CBU vs. Tennessee

Comparable Facts

Compare Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN with The University of Tennessee Knoxville in Knoxville, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of Tennessee Knoxville is larger than CBU based on total student enrollment (38,728 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Christian Brothers University is located in Memphis, TN (Large City setting); The University of Tennessee Knoxville is in Knoxville, TN (Midsize City setting).
• Christian Brothers University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Tennessee Knoxville is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Christian Brothers University 9:1; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 18:1.

CBU vs. Tennessee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CBU or Tennessee? 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 Christian Brothers University than Tennessee ($16,754 vs. $21,648).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Christian Brothers University are 17.2% lower than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville ($11,055 vs. $13,356).
• Christian Brothers University is 178.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee (about $24,608 more per year; $38,420.00 vs. $13,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.5% higher at CBU than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (about $5,164 more per year; $38,420.00 vs. $33,256.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Christian Brothers University than at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Christian Brothers University students is 173.2% larger than aid received by The University of Tennessee Knoxville students ($31,234 vs. $11,434).

CBU vs. Tennessee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CBU or Tennessee? 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 Tennessee and CBU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of Tennessee Knoxville (1290) is 90 points higher than at CBU (1200).
• Incoming Tennessee students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 21 at CBU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christian Brothers University 1020/1380; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 1200/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Christian Brothers University 19/24; The University of Tennessee Knoxville 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CBU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Tennessee - Required to be considered for admission.
• Accepted freshman CBU students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.67) than students at Tennessee (3.66).
• CBU has a higher acceptance rate (86.7%) than Tennessee (41.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at CBU vs. 27.4% at Tennessee.

CBU vs. Tennessee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CBU and Tennessee? 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).

• The University of Tennessee Knoxville's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Christian Brothers University's (52%).
• Graduates from The University of Tennessee Knoxville earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than CBU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,300 vs. $50,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of Tennessee Knoxville graduates have a $7,000 lower median loan debt than CBU graduates ($20,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Tennessee graduates have an estimated $73 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CBU graduates ($206 vs. $279).
• More Tennessee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CBU students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 53%)

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.