Carson-Newman University — ROI, Cost & Payback
Carson-Newman University charges a net price of $20,251/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $81,004. Graduates earn a median $48,382 ten years after entry, $22/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 3682 years — a 20-year net return of -$80,564, a weak return — the cost is hard to justify on earnings alone. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Carson-Newman University's 3682-year payback ranks #1,278 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 1% of them, and #22 of 91 in Tennessee.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $20,251/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $81,004 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $48,382 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $22/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $21,500 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 3682 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | -$80,564 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Carson-Newman University's own numbers. Net price $20,251 × 4 years = $81,004 total. Median earnings $48,382 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $22 a year of premium. $81,004 ÷ $22 = 3682 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves -$80,564. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Carson-Newman University students graduate with?
A median $21,500 in federal loans among completers, or 44% of the $48,382 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Carson-Newman University students graduate?
53% finish their degree — 47% leave carrying the cost without the credential. Spread the $81,004 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $152,838 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Carson-Newman University expensive compared with other Tennessee colleges?
Its $20,251 net price runs $4,982 above the $15,269 median across the 91 Tennessee colleges we profile, or $19,928 more across the full degree.