Chattanooga State Community College vs Carson-Newman University: 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 State Community College, on median earnings of $48,382 vs $37,598 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Chattanooga State Community College | Carson-Newman University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $5,283 | $20,251 |
| Total net cost | $10,566 | $81,004 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $37,598 | $48,382 |
| Median debt | $10,419 | $21,500 |
| Payback | — | 3682 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$225,806 | -$80,564 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Chattanooga State Community College or Carson-Newman University?
Chattanooga State Community College, at $5,283 a year after aid versus $20,251 — a gap of $14,968 a year, or $70,438 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Chattanooga State Community College or Carson-Newman University graduates earn more?
Carson-Newman University graduates report a median $48,382 ten years after entry, $10,784 more than the $37,598 at Chattanooga State Community College. 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, Chattanooga State Community College or Carson-Newman University?
Chattanooga State Community College: its completers carry a median $10,419 in federal loans versus $21,500 at Carson-Newman University, a difference of $11,081. 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 26% at Chattanooga State Community College. 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.