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Carson-Newman University vs Vanderbilt University

MSN programs compared — side-by-side on NCLEX pass rates, tuition, admissions, and format.

Updated Reviewed by NurseWay Editorial Team

At a glance

Lower tuition
Carson-Newman University
$10,168 vs $63,946
Easier to get into
Carson-Newman University
68.3% vs 6.3% acceptance

Side-by-side details

Best value in each row is highlighted.

Carson-Newman University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Vanderbilt University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.
Program typeMSNMSN
Formatin personin person
LocationJefferson City, TNNashville, TN
Length24 months24 months
NCLEX pass rate95%
Acceptance rate68.3%BEST6.3%
Avg accepted GPA3.6
Min GPA
Entrance examNot required
Total tuition$10,168BEST$63,946
In-state tuition$10,168BEST$56,128
Out-of-state tuition$10,168BEST$56,128
Clinical placementarranged
AccreditationCCNECCNE

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, Carson-Newman University or Vanderbilt University?

Carson-Newman University is the more affordable option at roughly $10,168, compared to $63,946. Factor in residency status, financial aid, and program length when deciding — total cost matters more than annual tuition.

Are Carson-Newman University and Vanderbilt University the same type of program?

Both are MSN programs, so they award the same credential. Compare them on NCLEX pass rate, tuition, length, and location to find the better fit.

How do I decide between Carson-Newman University and Vanderbilt University?

Start by ruling out programs you can't get into (compare your GPA against each school's admissions stats), then weight what matters most — NCLEX pass rate for quality, total tuition for cost, length for time-to-degree, and format (online, hybrid, in-person) for lifestyle. Use NurseWay's free intake to get a personalized fit score for both.

Want a personalized fit score?

Take the free 3-minute intake and we'll rank both programs against your GPA, location preferences, and budget.