Jefferson City, TN · Private University
Is Carson-Newman University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$48,382
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$34,700
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$34,700
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$138,800
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.39x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
10.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
46.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,661
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Carson-Newman University graduates earn $3,382 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Carson-Newman University ranked by graduate earnings
71 graduates
61 graduates
18 graduates
20 graduates
28 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Carson-Newman University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Carson-Newman University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $61,785) and the lowest (Psychology, General: $28,217) is $33,568/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $61,785 | 1.8x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $48,549 | 1.4x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $46,187 | 1.3x |
| Special Education and Teaching(1yr data) | $44,404 | 1.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods(1yr data) | $43,685 | 1.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $41,880 | 1.2x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $30,963 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest(1yr data) | $28,217 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Carson-Newman University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $48,382 10 years after starting, $3,382 above the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 10.4 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.