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Carson-Newman University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements

SAT Range960 to 1183
ACT Range19 to 25
Average GPA3.59
Acceptance Rate90.5%

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

Quick Facts

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.

Location

Jefferson City, TN

Undergrad Enrollment1,606
Freshman RetentionN/A
SettingN/A
Student to Faculty Ratio12:1
Graduation Rate51%
Test PolicyTest-required

How do your scores compare at Carson-Newman?

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Key Carson-Newman University application dates

Key dates

Application deadlines

Regular Decision

Early Action

Early Decision

Priority Deadline

Financial aid deadlines

Financial Aid Priority

February 1

Test dates

SAT 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

ACT test dates

September 19, 2026

Registration deadline: August 14, 2026

October 17, 2026

Registration deadline: September 11, 2026

December 12, 2026

Registration deadline: November 6, 2026

Take tests early for the best outcomes

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.

House illustration
Tuition and Fees$36,500
Room and Board$11,800
Average Merit Award$18,284
Application FeeN/A
Students on Aid81%
Average Aid Package$35,574
Average Debt at Grad$27,504

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

Activities and Organizations
Student newspaper
Drama and theater
Marching band
Choral groups
Housing

55% of undergrads live on campus

Greek life

No fraternity or sorority life on campus.

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