Columbia International University vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

Compare Columbia International University in Columbia, SC with Carson Newman University in Jefferson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Columbia International University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (2,914 students vs. 2,669 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Columbia International University is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Columbia International University 13:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

Columbia International University vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia International University or Carson-Newman University? 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 Columbia International University ($20,895 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 1.3% lower than at Columbia International University ($11,800 vs. $11,950).
• Carson Newman University is 24.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia International University (about $6,800 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.4% higher at Carson-Newman University than at Columbia International University (about $6,800 more per year; $34,700.00 vs. $27,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carson Newman University than at Columbia International University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 65.1% larger than aid received by Columbia International University students ($28,090 vs. $17,009).

Columbia International University vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia International University or Carson-Newman University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Carson-Newman University and Columbia International University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Columbia International University (1090) is the same as at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Carson-Newman University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 990/1195; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Columbia International University 16/25; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia International University - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Carson-Newman University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Columbia International University (3.5).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than Carson-Newman University (90.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 35.1% at Columbia International University vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Columbia International University vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia International University and Carson-Newman University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Columbia International University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Carson Newman University earn a median of about $8,300 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,700 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $2,380 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($222 vs. $246).
• More Carson-Newman University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia International University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 63%)

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.