Samford University vs. Carson-Newman University

Comparable Facts

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

Samford University is larger than Carson-Newman University based on total student enrollment (6,097 students vs. 2,669 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Samford University is located in Birmingham, AL (Large Suburban setting); Carson Newman University is in Jefferson City, TN (Small Suburban setting).
• Samford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Carson Newman University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Samford University 14:1; Carson Newman University 12:1.

Samford University vs. Carson-Newman University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Samford 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 Samford University ($20,895 vs. $34,926).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carson Newman University are 9.6% lower than at Samford University ($11,800 vs. $13,056).
• Samford University is 15.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carson-Newman University (about $5,450 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.7% higher at Samford University than at Carson Newman University (about $5,450 more per year; $40,150.00 vs. $34,700.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Samford University as at Carson Newman University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carson Newman University students is 24.7% larger than aid received by Samford University students ($28,090 vs. $22,530).

Samford University vs. Carson-Newman University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Samford University or Carson-Newman University? 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 Carson-Newman University and Samford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Samford University (1160) is 70 points higher than at Carson-Newman University (1090).
• Incoming Samford University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Carson-Newman University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 1070/1250; Carson Newman University 955/1215.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Samford University 22/28; Carson Newman University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Samford University - Test optional; Carson-Newman University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Samford University May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Samford University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.84) than students at Carson-Newman University (3.6).
• Carson-Newman University has a higher acceptance rate (90.4%) than Samford University (82.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 28.9% at Samford University vs. 16.8% at Carson-Newman University.

Samford University vs. Carson-Newman University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Samford University and Carson-Newman University? 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).

• Samford University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Carson Newman University's (45%).
• Graduates from Samford University earn a median of about $15,700 more per year than Carson-Newman University graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,400 vs. $41,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Samford University graduates have a $1,380 lower median loan debt than Carson-Newman University graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,880).
• Among borrowers, Samford University graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carson-Newman University graduates ($232 vs. $246).
• More Samford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carson-Newman University students, three years after graduation. (77% vs. 65%)

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.