Palm Beach Atlantic University vs Carson-Newman University
Palm Beach Atlantic University and Carson-Newman University, both rooted in Christian values, offer distinct educational experiences. Palm Beach Atlantic, located in sunny West Palm Beach, Florida, boasts a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life. Carson-Newman, nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in Jefferson City, Tennessee, prides itself on its small-town charm and strong sense of community. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in acceptance rates, popular majors, student demographics, and graduation rates. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
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![]() Carson-Newman University |
![]() Palm Beach Atlantic University |
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Overview |
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Location | Jefferson City, Tennessee | West Palm Beach, Florida |
Campus setting | Suburb: Small | City: Midsize |
College type | 4 year | 4 year |
Control/business model | Private (Non Profit) | Private (Non Profit) |
Calendar system | Semester | Semester |
Degrees offered | Undergraduate and Graduate | Undergraduate and Graduate |
Students retention rate | 69.0% | 71.0% |
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Yes | Yes |
Religious affiliation | Baptist | Interdenominational |
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Admission |
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Acceptance rate | 78.9% | 89.9% |
Application fees | $50 | |
SAT range | 955 - 1135 | 1030 - 1240 |
ACT range | 19 - 25 | 20 - 26 |
Students submitting SAT score | 9.0% | 77.0% |
Students submitting ACT score | 78.0% | 31.0% |
Total number of applicants | 2,953 | 1,923 |
Total number of admissions given out | 2,329 | 1,728 |
Admitted students who chose to enroll | 395 | 505 |
Yield rate | 17.0% | 29.2% |
Test scores (SAT/ACT) | N/A | N/A |
High school GPA | Required | Required |
Recommendation letters | Not required | Not required |
High school transcript | Not required | Not required |
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) | Required | Required |
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Tuition and Fees |
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Sticker price | $43,818 | $53,668 |
Average net price | $18,147 | $27,881 |
Tuition | $29,920 | $33,538 |
Room & board |
Room/dormitory:
$4,134
Meal plan:
$5,340
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Room/dormitory:
$5,872
Meal plan:
$5,256
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Available payment plans |
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Financial Aid |
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Students receiving financial aid
(Grants & scholarships) |
100.0%
Average amount $23,432 |
99.0%
Average amount $23,465 |
Students receiving federal student loan |
55.0%
Average amount $5,217 |
51.0%
Average amount $5,286 |
Students taking out private loans |
4.0%
Average amount $11,046 |
6.0%
Average amount $14,922 |
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Students and Campus |
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Undergraduate students |
1,695
Men 42.8% Women 57.2% |
2,837
Men 37.0% Women 63.0% |
Graduate students |
1,140
Men 23.9% Women 76.1% |
850
Men 34.9% Women 65.1% |
Racial/ethnic diversity |
Very Low
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Low
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Out-of-state students | 22.8% | 52.3% |
International students | 4.0% | 4.4% |
Campus local/setting | Suburb: Small | City: Midsize |
Dormitory capacity | 1,172 | 1,228 |
First year students are required to live on campus? | No | No |
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from | Tennessee Florida Georgia South Carolina North Carolina | Florida New York New Jersey Pennsylvania Michigan |
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Academics |
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Popular study areas |
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Students to faculty ratio | 14:1 | 12:1 |
Institutional accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
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Outcome |
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Graduation rate | 56.5% | 60.8% |
Dropout rate | 7.6% | 36.5% |
Transferred out | 35.2% | N/A |
Alumni salary by major (Top 10) |
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degrees)
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Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degrees)
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
Human Resources Management and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions (Master's Degrees)
Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degrees)
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Compare Similar Colleges
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