Christian School CompassTrue north for Christian families.
Carson-Newman University: Stephens-Burnett Memorial Library 2
Photo: Ser Amantio di Nicolao, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Christian college

#1 Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in America

Carson-Newman University

Jefferson City, TN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Tennessee Baptist Convention · Baptist

Real cost

Average price after aid $20,251 a year

Median debt at graduation: $21,500 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Carson-Newman University is a Christian liberal arts university in Jefferson City, Tennessee, affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Students attend weekly Tuesday chapel and must attend at least five chapel services each semester, and Baptist Collegiate Ministries holds a student-led worship service every Thursday. Old Testament and New Testament courses are required of all students in the Liberal Arts Core, and a Christian Studies major is offered.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

  • “Weekly chapel services on Tuesday morning offer all university students, faculty and staff an opportunity for corporate worship, prayer and study of God’s word.”

    Source: cn.edu
  • “BCM’s mission is for students, faculty and staff to experience God through love, worship, community and service.”

    Source: cn.edu
  • “Each semester, we send students all over the country and throughout the world on mission trips through the North America Mission Board’s GenSend program.”

    Source: cn.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students must attend at least 5 chapel services each semester, with some exceptions in their final semester.

Source: cn.edu
What's a normal week?

Chapel meets on Tuesday mornings, and the Thursday worship at 7:30 p.m. is held in Butler-Blanc Gymnasium.

Source: cn.edu
Where do I find community?

Student-led groups such as BCM, FCA, RUF and Young Life let students lead faith-based communities among peers.

Source: cn.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Students serve in many local ministries and nonprofits, and each semester they go on GenSend mission trips across the country and world.

Source: cn.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

In Tennessee

Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
59 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.53%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.74%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.SAT 1,117 · ACT 22
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.12 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$6,602

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

CWorship and chapel: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

62 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (One regular weekly chapel service (Tuesday morning) is listed; other chapels are selected Thursdays.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Weekly chapel services on Tuesday morning offer all university students, faculty and staff an opportunity for corporate worship, prayer and study of God’s word.”
      Weekly chapel services are held on Tuesday mornings.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Required: at least five chapel services each semester, plus Community Life and Worship credits.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Life and Worship | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/community-life-worship-clw · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students must attend at least 5 chapel services each semester, excluding their final semester before graduation or upon completion of their total CLW requirement for graduation.”
      Students must attend at least five chapel services each semester.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Baptist Collegiate Ministries worship every Thursday. A worship-band page says the band leads worship on Wednesday nights; the Thursday time is the one stated as a meeting time.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Baptist Collegiate Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/baptist-collegiate-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We meet every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. for worship in Butler-Blanc Gymnasium.”
      Baptist Collegiate Ministries holds student-led worship every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (Student chaplains offer prayer in residence facilities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “every residence life facility has an assigned student chaplain who offers bible studies, prayer and general counsel.”
      Each residence life facility has an assigned student chaplain who offers Bible studies and prayer.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Life and Worship | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/community-life-worship-clw · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Gentry Auditorium sanctuary doors will be locked at 9:35 a.m. for Tuesday morning chapel services to avoid disruption of worship.”
      Tuesday chapel services are held in the Gentry Auditorium sanctuary.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 1 chapel, 1 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).
BBible and theology: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

78 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (Studies in Bible and Theology, 6 hours total: BTS 101 and BTS 102 (Liberal Arts Core, Fall 2025/Spring 2026 sheet).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liberal Arts Core Requirements, Fall 2025/Spring 2026cn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/C-NU-Liberal-Arts-Core-Requirements-Fall-2025_072525_FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Studies in Bible and Theology, 6 hours total”
      The Liberal Arts Core requires 6 hours of Bible and theology for all students with all majors.
      “Introduction to the Old Testament & __BTS 102 Introduction to the New Testament”
      BTS 101 (Old Testament) and BTS 102 (New Testament) are the required Bible courses.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students
    Sources (1)
    1. Liberal Arts Core Requirements, Fall 2025/Spring 2026cn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/C-NU-Liberal-Arts-Core-Requirements-Fall-2025_072525_FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Introduction to the Old Testament & __BTS 102 Introduction to the New Testament”
      BTS 101 (Old Testament) and BTS 102 (New Testament) are the required Bible courses.
  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (The Liberal Arts Core sheet lists every required course for all majors; it includes no further Christian worldview course beyond the Bible and Theology courses.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liberal Arts Core Requirements, Fall 2025/Spring 2026cn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/C-NU-Liberal-Arts-Core-Requirements-Fall-2025_072525_FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Liberal Arts Core Requirements for all students with all majors”
      The sheet lists the core requirements for all students with all majors.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (Stated in the university's catalog as a faculty expectation: learning is distinctively Christian in nature.)
    Sources (1)
    1. About the University | Carson-Newman University Catalogcatalog.cn.edu/cn · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian educator at Carson-Newman facilitates learning that is distinctively Christian in nature.”
      Faculty are expected to facilitate learning that is distinctively Christian in nature.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Christian Studies major (Biblical & Theological Studies department).)
    Sources (1)
    1. Biblical & Theological Studies | Carson-Newman University Catalogcatalog.cn.edu/departments/3cf63d16-51da-4ea3-8a9f-6b35db1b620e/overview · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian Studies major is designed to provide a foundational understanding of each major theological discipline.”
      A Christian Studies major is offered in the Biblical & Theological Studies department.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
N/AChristian community: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Christian community

Not enough information · 4 of 7 found

  • Partly: Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (Two campus ministry staff positions are listed by title.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Director of Campus Ministries”
      A Director of Campus Ministries is listed on the Campus Ministries staff directory.
      “Associate Director – Campus Ministries”
      An Associate Director of Campus Ministries is listed.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Student led groups like BCM, FCA, RUF, Nations1, Yoke and Young Life allow students to lead faith-based communities among peers and assisting faculty or staff sponsors.”
      Student-led faith-based groups include BCM, FCA, RUF, Nations1, Yoke and Young Life.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (Every residence hall facility has an assigned student chaplain offering Bible studies and prayer.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “every residence life facility has an assigned student chaplain who offers bible studies, prayer and general counsel.”
      Each residence life facility has an assigned student chaplain who offers Bible studies and prayer.
    2. Church Relations | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/about-carson-newman-university/administration/church-relations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We train and employ student chaplains who are available to provide support to both students living in every residence hall on campus”
      Student chaplains are trained and employed for every residence hall.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Church Relations | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/about-carson-newman-university/administration/church-relations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Vice President for Church Relations & Campus Ministries”
      A vice president leads Church Relations and Campus Ministries.
AMissions and service: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Church Relations | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/about-carson-newman-university/administration/church-relations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Church Relations and Campus Ministries division of Carson-Newman University serves to support local churches and university students in developing educated citizens and worldwide servant-leaders on mission for Christ.”
      A staffed division supports local churches and students for mission and service.
  • Not enough information: Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Mission trips are sent each semester.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission Trips | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/mission-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each semester, we send students all over the country and throughout the world on mission trips through the North America Mission Board’s GenSend program.”
      Mission trips are sent each semester, across the country and worldwide.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany
    Sources (2)
    1. Baptist Collegiate Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/baptist-collegiate-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “An average of 69% of our students serve weekly in some sort of local ministry or non-profit and BCM provides several opportunities each month to serve our campus, community, and most importantly Christ!”
      Students serve weekly in local ministries and non-profits, and BCM offers service opportunities each month.
    2. Mission Trips | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/mission-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each semester, we send students all over the country and throughout the world on mission trips through the North America Mission Board’s GenSend program.”
      Mission trips are sent each semester.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission Trips | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/mission-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each semester, we send students all over the country and throughout the world on mission trips through the North America Mission Board’s GenSend program.”
      Mission trips are sent each semester, across the country and worldwide.
  • Yes: Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Baptist Collegiate Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/baptist-collegiate-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BCM’s mission is for students, faculty and staff to experience God through love, worship, community and service.”
      The campus ministry's mission is to experience God through love, worship, community and service.

Strengths

  • Students must attend at least five chapel services each semester, and weekly Tuesday chapel is listed.
    Sources (2)
    1. Community Life and Worship | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/community-life-worship-clw · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students must attend at least 5 chapel services each semester, excluding their final semester before graduation or upon completion of their total CLW requirement for graduation.”
      Students must attend at least five chapel services each semester.
    2. Campus Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Weekly chapel services on Tuesday morning offer all university students, faculty and staff an opportunity for corporate worship, prayer and study of God’s word.”
      Weekly chapel services are held on Tuesday mornings.
  • Old Testament and New Testament courses (6 hours) are required of all students in the Liberal Arts Core.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liberal Arts Core Requirements, Fall 2025/Spring 2026cn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/C-NU-Liberal-Arts-Core-Requirements-Fall-2025_072525_FINAL.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Studies in Bible and Theology, 6 hours total”
      The Liberal Arts Core requires 6 hours of Bible and theology for all students with all majors.
      “Introduction to the Old Testament & __BTS 102 Introduction to the New Testament”
      BTS 101 (Old Testament) and BTS 102 (New Testament) are the required Bible courses.
  • Every residence hall has an assigned student chaplain who offers Bible studies and prayer.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “every residence life facility has an assigned student chaplain who offers bible studies, prayer and general counsel.”
      Each residence life facility has an assigned student chaplain who offers Bible studies and prayer.
    2. Church Relations | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/about-carson-newman-university/administration/church-relations · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “We train and employ student chaplains who are available to provide support to both students living in every residence hall on campus”
      Student chaplains are trained and employed for every residence hall.
  • Mission trips are sent each semester, across the country and worldwide.
    Sources (1)
    1. Mission Trips | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/mission-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Each semester, we send students all over the country and throughout the world on mission trips through the North America Mission Board’s GenSend program.”
      Mission trips are sent each semester, across the country and worldwide.

Concerns

  • Regular campus worship is one service a week (Tuesday chapel); selected Thursday chapels are listed only as some Thursdays.
    Sources (1)
    1. Community Life and Worship | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/community-life-worship-clw · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “These events will consist of chapel on Tuesday and some select Thursday mornings in Gentry Auditorium (Community Worship)”
      Chapel is held on Tuesdays and some selected Thursdays.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministries

  • Facilities: Gentry Auditorium sanctuary, Butler-Blanc Gymnasium (BCM worship)

Source: cn.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, cn.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Campus Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Weekly chapel services on Tuesday morning offer all university students, faculty and staff an opportunity for corporate worship, prayer and study of God’s word.”
    Weekly chapel services are held on Tuesday mornings.
    “every residence life facility has an assigned student chaplain who offers bible studies, prayer and general counsel.”
    Each residence life facility has an assigned student chaplain who offers Bible studies and prayer.
  2. Baptist Collegiate Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/baptist-collegiate-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “We meet every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. for worship in Butler-Blanc Gymnasium.”
    Baptist Collegiate Ministries holds student-led worship every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 1 location not published

Service 2

  • Mission trips (GenSend)Off campus
    Each semester
    Mission trips across the country and throughout the world through the North America Mission Board.
  • Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS)Off campus
    Serves local families in need through a food pantry, home repairs, shelter and educational programs.

Clubs and groups 3

  • Baptist Collegiate Ministries (BCM)On campus
    Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
    Campus Baptist ministry with student-led worship, prayer, fellowship and service.
  • Seed Company worship bandOn campus
    Official student-led worship band for BCM.
  • Faith-based student groups (FCA, RUF, Nations1, Yoke, Young Life)
    Student-led faith-based communities in cooperation with Campus Ministries.

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

  • Tuesday9:30 AMMSAC 3-Gym (chapel listing) · Tuesday chapel (Community Worship), fall 2026 listing. The program text names Gentry Auditorium; the calendar's location is recorded here.

Worship night 1

  • Thursday7:30 PMButler-Blanc Gymnasium · Baptist Collegiate Ministries worship, student-led.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (2)
  1. Community Life and Worship | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/community-life-worship-clw · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Chapel | Sept. 8 | 9:30 AM | MSAC 3-Gym | Dr. Charles A. Fowler”
    Chapel is listed at 9:30 AM on Tuesdays in fall 2026.
  2. Baptist Collegiate Ministries | Carson-Newman Universitycn.edu/life-at-c-n/campus-ministries/baptist-collegiate-ministries · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “We meet every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. for worship in Butler-Blanc Gymnasium.”
    Baptist Collegiate Ministries holds student-led worship every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$16,672
$30,001–$48,000$16,446
$48,001–$75,000$17,313
$75,001–$110,000$21,209
Over $110,000$28,621

Full cost of attendance before aid: $49,024 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
1,669
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 49% · Women 51%
First-generation students
College Scorecard
35%
First-year students from another state
IPEDS, fall 2023
25%
Total students2,735
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$20,251
Cost of attendance (per year)$49,024
Median federal debt at graduation$21,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
53%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients
College Scorecard, within 6 years
50%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
44%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
64%
First-year retention74%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$48,382
Admission rate90%
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Students receiving Pell grants33%
Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 955–1215ACT 19–25
Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT1117
SAT reading & writing500–645
SAT math455–570
ACT composite19–25
Test policyConsidered but not required

Value index: 61 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
MajorMedian earnings
Nursing$70,769
Accounting$64,634
Business administration$64,503
Other psychology$49,609
Communication studies$46,614
Secondary education$45,780
Kinesiology and exercise science$44,311
Religious studies$43,115
Teacher education$42,340
Psychology$37,992

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Apparel and Textiles, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer science, Design, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services, Ecology and evolutionary biology, Economics, Education (general), Engineering Physics, English, Entrepreneurship, Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services, Family and human development, Film and video, Finance, Fine arts, Foods, Nutrition,, Health administration, History, Housing and Human Environments, Human services, Interdisciplinary studies, International business, Journalism, Liberal arts, Linguistics, Management information systems, Managerial economics, Marketing, Mathematics, Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Music, Other biological and biomedical sciences, Other engineering, Other philosophy and religious studies, Other social sciences, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies, Philosophy, Physics, Political science, Pre-health, Public relations, Romance languages, Sociology, Special education, Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations, Teaching English as a second language, Theatre, Writing and rhetoric.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
FieldShare of degrees
Business20%
Parks, recreation and fitness16%
Health professions12%
Education8%
Visual and performing arts8%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingSuburb
Part-time undergraduates3%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older5%
On-campus room and board (per year)$11,800
SportsNCAA Division II · South Atlantic Conference
ROTCArmy
Study abroadOffered
Students per faculty member12 to 1
Faculty who are full-time52%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$34,762IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 69% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceMcGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)About 35 miles away
Town population8,579Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreLexington-FayetteAbout 143 miles away
Typical weather36°F in January · 75°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Jefferson City, TN

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Carson-Newman University a Christian college?
Yes. Carson-Newman University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Tennessee Baptist Convention.
What is Carson-Newman University’s Compass Score?
75 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Carson-Newman University?
Chapel is listed at MSAC 3-Gym (chapel listing). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 219806
  • Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
  • Accreditation: Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs; Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
  • Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Baptist
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