Carson-Newman University vs Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers: which has better ROI?
Carson-Newman University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $81,004 in 3682 years versus not at all at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers, on median earnings of $48,382 vs $25,954 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Carson-Newman University | Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $20,251 | $33,625 |
| Total net cost | $81,004 | $134,500 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $48,382 | $25,954 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $7,891 |
| Payback | 3682 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | -$80,564 | -$582,620 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Carson-Newman University or Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers?
Carson-Newman University, at $20,251 a year after aid versus $33,625 — a gap of $13,374 a year, or $53,496 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Carson-Newman University or Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers graduates earn more?
Carson-Newman University graduates report a median $48,382 ten years after entry, $22,428 more than the $25,954 at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Carson-Newman University or Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers?
Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers: its completers carry a median $7,891 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Carson-Newman University, a difference of $13,609. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
53% of students finish at Carson-Newman University, against 12% at Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.