Carson-Newman University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
With a 90.5% acceptance rate, your strategy at Carson-Newman should be confirming fit and keeping options open, not treating admission as a long shot. Since scores are required and ACT is the common route, aim for a 25+ ACT or about an 1180+ SAT. Scholarships listed here are GPA-based, so protect your transcript too.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Carson-Newman University facts and stats
Carson-Newman University enrolls 1,606 undergraduate students. Carson-Newman has a 6-year graduation rate of 51%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. Carson-Newman is test-required for admissions.
Jefferson City, TN
How do your scores compare at Carson-Newman?

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Key Carson-Newman University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
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Early Action
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Early Decision
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Priority Deadline
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Financial Aid Priority
February 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Carson-Newman requires SAT or ACT scores, plan to take your first test by the spring of junior year. Use the summer before senior year and the fall for retakes, with December typically the last retake that can arrive before the February 1 financial aid priority deadline.
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What you'll actually pay
Carson-Newman is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate of $36,500 applies to all students. With 81% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $18,284, scholarships can make a meaningful difference. Submit the FAFSA by the February 1 priority deadline.

Carson-Newman’s listed cost of attendance is about $48,300, including tuition, fees, room, and board. About 81% of students receive aid, with an average aid package of $35,574. Merit scholarships are significant, with GPA-based awards starting around 2.50 and larger awards for GPAs of 3.50 to 3.90 or higher. Graduates leave with an average debt of $27,504.
Student life at Carson-Newman University
55% of undergrads live on campus
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
American Baptist College
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 100%
Aquinas College, Tennessee
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 51.9%
ACT: 21–26
Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TNAcceptance rate: 96.4%
SAT: 828–1108
ACT: 13–21
Belmont University
Nashville, TNAcceptance rate: 95.3%
SAT: 1160–1350
ACT: 24–30
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