- Acceptance rate: 90% for fall 2024
- SAT, middle 50%: 500–645 reading and writing, 455–570 math
- ACT, middle 50%: 19–25 composite
- Average net price: $19,755 a year (2022–23)
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How does your GPA compare?
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Where you standEnter your GPA
Type your GPA to compare it with what Carson-Newman University reported: an acceptance rate of 90% for fall 2024 and an ACT middle 50% of 19–25.
Weighted GPAs above 4.0 can't be compared directly. Many colleges recalculate on their own scale, so use your unweighted GPA here.
A guide based on reported data, not a prediction. Carson-Newman University reviews each application.
Carson-Newman University GPA requirements
Carson-Newman University requires a high school GPA from first-year applicants, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.
Federal data doesn't include GPA averages, and Carson-Newman University hasn't published one we could verify, so this page doesn't list an average GPA.
Carson-Newman University acceptance rate
Carson-Newman University admitted 2,225 of 2,460 first-year applicants for fall 2024, an acceptance rate of 90%, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Carson-Newman University (formerly Carson-Newman College) is a private nonprofit 4-year university in Jefferson City, Tennessee, with 1,596 undergraduates.
SAT and ACT scores
Scores of the first-year students who entered Carson-Newman University in fall 2024 and submitted them. Half of them scored between the 25th and 75th percentiles:
| Test | 25th percentile | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Reading and Writing | 500 | 530 | 645 |
| SAT Math | 455 | 540 | 570 |
| ACT Composite | 19 | 22 | 25 |
| ACT English | 17 | 21 | 25 |
| ACT Math | 17 | 21 | 25 |
The U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard estimates an average SAT score of 1117 for admitted students.
Admission requirements
What Carson-Newman University looks at when it decides on first-year applicants, as it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024:
| Admission factor | Status |
|---|---|
| High School GPAYour cumulative high school grade point average. | Required |
| High School RecordYour transcript: the courses you took and the grades you earned. | Required |
| College Preparatory ProgramCompletion of a college preparatory curriculum in high school. | Required |
| RecommendationsLetters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or other mentors. | Considered if submitted |
| Essay or Personal StatementA personal statement or essay written for your application. | Considered if submitted |
| Test ScoresSAT or ACT scores. | Considered if submitted |
| Work ExperiencePaid or volunteer work. | Considered if submitted |
| High School Class RankYour ranking relative to other students in your graduating class. | Not considered |
| Other TestsOther admission tests, such as the Wonderlic or WISC-III. | Not considered |
| Demonstration of CompetenciesEvidence of specific skills through portfolios, auditions, or other demonstrations. | Not considered |
| Legacy StatusWhether a parent or other relative attended the college. | Not considered |
AP credit
Carson-Newman University awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2024–25. The college decides which exams and scores earn credit.
It also awards credit for life experience, such as work or military service.
Average net price
First-time, full-time undergraduates who received grant or scholarship aid paid an average net price of $19,755 a year at Carson-Newman University in 2022–23, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Net price is the full cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get into Carson-Newman University with a 3.0 GPA?
Carson-Newman University admitted 90% of first-year applicants for fall 2024. It requires a high school GPA but hasn't published an average we could verify, so there's no admitted-student GPA to compare a 3.0 against. Your transcript and test scores are the clearer guide.
What GPA do you need to get into Carson-Newman University?
Carson-Newman University requires a high school GPA from first-year applicants, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024. It hasn't published an average GPA we could verify, so we don't list one.
What is the acceptance rate at Carson-Newman University?
Carson-Newman University's acceptance rate was 90% for fall 2024: it admitted 2,225 of 2,460 first-year applicants, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Is Carson-Newman University hard to get into?
Not for most prepared students: at least 3 in 4 applicants got in. Carson-Newman University admitted 90% of first-year applicants for fall 2024.
Does Carson-Newman University require the SAT or ACT?
No. Carson-Newman University is test optional: it considers SAT or ACT scores if you send them, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024. Of its fall 2024 first-year students, 5% sent SAT scores and 70% sent ACT scores.
What SAT and ACT scores do Carson-Newman University students have?
The middle 50% of Carson-Newman University's fall 2024 first-year students who sent scores had SAT 500–645 in reading and writing and 455–570 in math; ACT composite 19–25, according to what the college reported to the U.S. Department of Education. A quarter scored below that range.
How much does GPA matter at Carson-Newman University?
A lot: Carson-Newman University requires high school GPA, high school record and college preparatory program. It considers recommendations, essay or personal statement, test scores and work experience if you send them. It doesn't consider high school class rank, other tests, demonstration of competencies and legacy status. That's what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.
Does Carson-Newman University consider legacy status?
No. Carson-Newman University doesn't consider whether a parent or other relative attended, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for fall 2024.
Does Carson-Newman University accept AP credit?
Yes. Carson-Newman University awards college credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, according to what it reported to the U.S. Department of Education for 2024–25. The college decides which exams and scores earn credit.
What is the average net price at Carson-Newman University?
First-time, full-time undergraduates who received grant or scholarship aid paid an average of $19,755 a year at Carson-Newman University in 2022–23, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Net price is the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.
Before you applyRequirements can differ by program and change from year to year. Confirm the details on Carson-Newman University's official admissions site.
Sources
- College Navigator: Carson-Newman UniversityU.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS (2024–25 provisional data): admissions, test scores and admission factors for fall 2024, undergraduate enrollment for fall 2024, net price for 2022–23 and credit policies for 2024–25.
- College Scorecard dataAverage SAT: an estimate by the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard (June 10, 2026 release).
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