Disclosures and Consumer Information

Undergraduate Programs

• Majors and Emphases
• Academics

Graduate Programs

• Adult & Graduate Studies
• Adult & Graduate Programs

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is observed each year on September 17 to commemorate the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and to recognize all who have become U.S. citizens, whether by coming of age or by naturalization. For more info, please click Constitution Day.

• David Humphrey, Director of Students with Disabilities and Case Manager
• Disability Services
• Disability Services

• Faculty & Staff Directory

• Teacher Education Programs

• Transfer Articulation Agreements

• Transfer Credit Policy

• Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness
• Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness

Carson- Newman University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA). This membership allows Carson-Newman to offer distance learning programs to students residing outside of Tennessee, however this agreement does not guarantee professional licensure in other states for students completing Carson-Newman University’s academic programs that lead to professional licensure.

Carson-Newman University’s academic programs that lead to professional licensure in the state of Tennessee include undergraduate and graduate teacher licensure programs, undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, and graduate counseling programs.  These programs have been developed to satisfy the licensure requirements in the state of Tennessee, and the University makes every effort to ensure that state licensure or certification information is current; however, state requirements may change.  Students who reside in or plan to be employed in other states will need to meet the requirements for licensure in those states.

NC-SARA and the U.S. Department of Education Rule § 668.43 (a)(2)(v) requires institutions to make public whether a program will fulfill educational requirements for a specific licensure or certification required for employment in an occupation if the program is designed to or advertised as meeting such requirements. The document below provides information about whether each Carson-Newman academic program that leads to licensure in the state of Tennessee may meet the licensure requirements in other states. Each state’s professional licensing board makes final licensing decisions regarding individual licensure.  Please visit our Academics page for additional information on each program.

Professional Licensure General Information Disclosure.pdf

Student complaints relating to consumer protection laws that involve distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) must first be filed with Carson-Newman to seek resolution.

Complainants not satisfied with the outcome of Carson-Newman’s internal process may appeal, within two years of the incident about which the complaint is made, to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission at https://www.tn.gov/thec/bureaus/student-aid-and-compliance/postsecondary-state-authorization/request-for-complaint-review.html.

For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of SARA or the laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the SARA Policies and Standards (http://www.nc-sara.org/content/sara-manual) have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.

For a list of SARA member States, please visit the NC-SARA website (http://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions). Students residing in non-SARA states should consult their respective State of residence for further instruction for filing a complaint.

To see an overview of the process: SARA Student Complaint Process: StudentComplaintProcedure.pdf

The university’s values statements, student learning goals, goals for the liberal arts core, the quality enhancement plan and the university strategic plan (Vision 2020) can be found at University-Wide_Goals.pdf

• Campus Public Safety Report & First Safety Report (Clery Act)
• Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program
• Emergency Response & Evacuation Procedures
• Health & Immunization Policy
• Missing Student Policy

Links

• Financial Aid
• Financial Aid

Undergraduate Programs

• Undergraduate Financial Aid

Adult & Graduate Programs

• Graduate & Professional Studies Financial Aid

FAFSA Information

Carson-Newman is committed to making private education affordable. Our Financial Aid representatives will customize a plan for each student. 

The first step in the process is completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Carson-Newman’s FAFSA code is 003481. 

Learn more about the process and begin your application

Get the myStudentAid Apple app

Get the myStudentAid Google Play app

Undergraduate Aid

• Types of Aid
• Types of Aid

Adult & Graduate Aid

• Graduate & Professional Studies — Types of Aid
• Graduate Students — Types of Aid

Study Abroad

Enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by Carson-Newman may be considered enrollment in Carson-Newman for the purposes of applying for federal student financial aid.  Students must still meet other federal eligibility requirements.

• Study Abroad Financial Aid
• C-N Study Abroad Program

• Tuition & Costs
• Costs of Attendance

Disbursement Dates

The Financial Aid Office disburses financial aid payments to the Student Accounts Office on the dates listed below after all required paperwork is complete. Paperwork not completed before the scheduled disbursement dates will result in a delay. Disbursements outside of the following schedule will only be processed on Thursday of each week. 

The Financial Aid Office will email you when loans are posted to your account. If an email address is not available, the notice will be sent via mail. You may reduce or reject the loan within 14 days.

Credit Balance Refunds

When financial aid disbursement(s) create a credit balance, the Office of Student Accounts will issue a refund check within 14 calendar days of the disbursement date as reflected on your statement of account. Checks will be mailed to parent borrowers of the Parent PLUS Loan if indicated on the application. All students will be notified by Student Accounts and may pick up checks or request that checks be mailed. To pick up checks, present a valid photo ID at the Student Accounts window in the Fite Administration Building during regular business hours.  

The Carson-Newman Financial Aid Handbook is designed to answer common questions for financial aid recipients and to outline students’ specific rights and responsibilities regarding financial aid. Terms and conditions of awards are outlined in the handbook. Terms and conditions of awards are subject to change without notice based on change(s) in federal, state, NCAA, or university policies. Contact the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@cn.edu) for any additional questions. 

• Financial Aid Handbook

Carson-Newman University Financial Aid Office
1646 Russell Ave.
Jefferson City, TN
P 865-471-3247
E financialaid@cn.edu

• Net Price Calculator

Students convicted of a federal or state offense of selling or possessing illegal drugs may not be eligible for federal student aid (grants, loans and work study). Students who answer "Yes" to question 31 on the FAFSA will be sent a worksheet by the federal processing center to determine if the conviction affects eligibility for aid. Also, if the Financial Aid Office is notified that a student has been convicted of possession or sale of illegal drugs during the academic year, all federal student aid will be suspended immediately.

Convictions only count if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal student aid. Also, a conviction that was reversed, set aside or removed from the student's record does not count.

The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for federal student aid funds depending on whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had previous offenses. (A conviction for sale of drugs includes convictions for conspiring to sell drugs.)

Students regain eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends or when they successfully complete a qualified drug rehabilitation program. Further drug convictions will extend ineligibility. Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain aid only after successfully completing a rehabilitation program or if a conviction is reversed, set aside or removed from the student's record so that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record. In such cases, the nature and dates of the remaining convictions will determine when the student regains eligibility. It is the student's responsibility to certify to the Office of Financial Aid the date of conviction and if he/she has completed a drug rehabilitation program.

• Withdrawal from C-N

In compliance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) of 2008, the following Code of Conduct was written in respect to the Title IV Stafford Loan program. Financial Aid employees are prohibited from the following:

Conflicts of interest in respect to loans.

Revenue sharing arrangements with any lender.

Soliciting or accepting gifts from a lender, guarantor or servicer. Gifts include "gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan or any other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimus amount," including services, transportation, lodging and meals. A gift does not include the following:

• Standard materials, activities or programs related to a loan being provided
• Food, refreshments, training or informational materials provided as part of a training session conducted by the lender in order for the institution to improve services
• Favorable terms, conditions or borrower benefits provided to a student employed by the institution if comparable terms are provided to all students of the institution
• Entrance and exit counseling services provided to borrowers as long as a covered institution's staff is in control of the counseling and the counseling does not promote one specific lender
• Philanthropic contributions to an institution unrelated to education loans
• State education grants, scholarships or financial aid funds

Receipt of any fees, payments or any other financial benefits for consulting services by anyone with responsibilities in respect to education loans.

Assigning first-time borrower's loans to a particular lender and not delaying certification of any loan regardless of the lender or guaranty agency the borrower selects.

Accepting any funds to be used for private education loans in exchange for the institution providing concessions to the private lender.

In general, Carson-Newman University Financial Aid employees hold themselves to the following standards:

Refrain from taking any action for his or her personal benefit.

Refrain from taking any action he or she believes is contrary to law, regulation or best interests of the students and parents he or she serves.

Ensure that the information he or she provides is accurate and unbiased and does not reflect any preference arising from actual or potential personal gain.

Remain objective in making decisions and advising the institution regarding relationships with any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.

Refrain from soliciting or accepting anything beyond nominal value from any entity (other than an institution of higher education or a governmental entity such as the U.S. Department of Education) involved in the making, holding, consolidating or processing of any student loans, including anything of value (including reimbursement of expenses) for serving on an advisory body or part of a training activity of or sponsored by any such entity.

Disclose to his or her institution in such manner, as his or her institution may prescribe, any involvement with or interest in any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.

Statement of Ethical Principles

Carson-Newman University puts the best interest and needs of our students and their families first. Click for the NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators) Statement of Ethical Principles, which has been adopted by the Carson-Newman University Office of Financial Aid as a participating member of NASFAA.

University Code of Professional Conduct

All Carson-Newman employees are held to very high standards in order to provide the best service to our students and their families. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner by practicing good customer service and recognizing confidentiality in the position. Employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to a Christian institution and to be a worthy example in moral conduct and behavior for students of the University.

Initial Eligibility & Satisfactory Academic Progress (FASAP)

Initially, to be eligible to receive financial assistance, students must be enrolled in an eligible program.  Financial assistance is considered renewable up to 150% of the approved program of study, provided the student satisfies the standards of Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (FASAP) as outlined below.

A student will be considered as making satisfactory progress in receiving financial assistance provided that:

• The student is eligible to re-enroll at Carson-Newman University; and
• The student is making progress at a rate not less than demonstrated by the following qualitative and quantitative scales: 

Qualitative FASAP

Quantitative FASAP
In addition to the above, students must earn 67% of Attempted Credit Hours to qualify as listed below:

Maximum Timeframe

Zero Term GPA (0.00)

If you have a 0.00 GPA in a term, the Registrar will determine if you completed and earned all F's in your classes.  If the Registrar determines that you stopped attending every class, you will be processed by the Financial Aid Office as an unofficial withdrawal.  Refer to the “Withdrawal from Carson-Newman” section for more information.

FASAP Evaluation Process (Process Illustration)

• REVIEW Each Term: Review for SAP will be conducted at the conclusion of each term, including summer.  Students who are determined to be ineligible for further aid will be notified.  It is your responsibility to ensure that lost eligibility is restored. 
• WARNING Status: Students will have one semester of WARNING on the first instance of a failed FASAP calculation. Warning notice will be sent to students' CN email account if e-consent is on file. 
• UNSATISFACTORY Status: A subsequent calculation failing FASAP will result in Financial Assistance UNSATISFACTORY standing (suspension), and students will be ineligible for financial assistance unless they have a successful appeal. Unsatisfactory notice will be sent to CN email account if e-consent on file.
• PROBATION Status: Students that filed a successful appeal from an unsatisfactory status will be granted a one term probation in which they will be eligible for financial aid.  After the probation term, students must meet the standards satisfactorily to continue aid eligibility.
• W, F, or I or IP Grades: All grades of F, W, WP, WF, U, or I will not count as hours earned but will count as hours attempted. IP grades will count in attempted hours but will not factor into GPA.
• REPEATED Hours: Repeated hours will count towards attempted hours, but may not be countable in enrollment status for the term depending upon number of times repeated for a grade.   For example, if you earned 3 hours with a grade of “D” twice, and you decide to repeat the course to earn a better grade, the repeated 3 hours will not count in your enrollment status for the term that it is a second repeat.  Hence, your enrollment status for the term will be calculated as: registered credit hours –  second or more repeated credit hours = enrollment status for federal financial aid purposes.  This is subject to change as Federal Regulations are subject to change.  All attempted hours will count against your 150% of degree credits limitation.
• TRANSFER Credits: Transfer credits accepted by Carson-Newman University will also count in attempted and total earned hours. 
• TELS HOPE Awards:  Evaluation to determine continued eligibility for TELS HOPE awards will occur upon attempting 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours for coursework completed after high school graduation and is a separate process than FASAP calculations.  If you fail to meet TELS SAP, you will be sent a written letter with important information, and future TELS awards may not be available to you.  Click HERE for more information regarding TELS HOPE continuation requirements. Your TELS HOPE GPA is not calculated the same as your CN GPA calculation.
• APPEALS FASAP:  Students may appeal an unsatisfactory status for FASAP calculation.  Appeals must be made by the deadline given in each notification.  (Forms)
• APPEALS TELS HOPE Loss: Students may appeal TELS HOPE loss on reasons other than GPA.

• Tuition & Costs
• Financial Aid

If your financial aid exceeds your student charges, a book credit will be available to you. If you have initiated an authorization with Student Accounts, or if you are a Federal Pell Grant recipient, your available book credit will be sent electronically to the bookstore when the e-confirm process begins each semester. There is no e-confirm process in summer, so your credit will be sent in advance of the summer term. If you choose to obtain books through another method/place or wish to opt out of this process, please contact Student Accounts directly.

Visit the C-N Bookstore

We encourage prospective students to discover the wide range of scholarships available for today’s college students. There are many free scholarship searches, and our financial aid representative will be happy to help you in your exploration. Contact the Financial Aid Office (financialaid@cn.edu) for more information. Current C-N students will also find scholarship information here.

Tips for Scholarship Searches

• Don't Get Scammed. There are many free scholarship searches that are reliable, but use caution for any search that asks for money. If you have to pay money to receive money, it is probably a scam. Consult the Federal Trade Commission website for more tell-tale signs of scholarship scams. FinAid.org also has a good reference page regarding scholarship searches.
• Don't Pay for a Scholarship Service. There are many reliable free scholarship search services, so we do not recommend paying for a search service. We also recommend personalized searches, such as visiting your local library, reviewing published scholarship books, asking a high school guidance counselor, or visiting a college financial aid office for information.
• Don't Miss Deadlines. Make a list of scholarship deadlines and plan to respond before those dates. Make note if you need other information to submit, such as a reference letter from a teacher or professor or documentation of your financial need results from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing. If you need something from someone else, plan accordingly. Asking someone at the last minute for a letter or documentation is not a good idea. Give that person at least two weeks to fulfill your request (one week at the very minimum).
• Don't Rule Out a Scholarship. Apply for a scholarship even if you think you might not get it. When an essay is required, some students may not to even try, so the application pool may be smaller. This gives you an even higher chance of being selected.

1. To renew your federal, state and need-based C-N aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Priority FAFSA deadline is February 1st. The FAFSA application for each fall opens the October 1 in the year prior.
2. Your award is based on financial information supplied by you and/or your family. Your award is subject to revision if your financial situation changes, if errors in data are discovered, or if additional assistance from other sources exceeds your individual limits. Your award is also subject to revision if you change your housing status or drop below full-time enrollment. 
3. Your award is determined in accordance with laws, regulations, appropriations (existing or anticipated) of the U.S. Department of Education and by the regulations of the applicable federal, state and University programs. Award provisions are subject to change without notice.
4. Your financial aid student records are protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). For more detailed information, please access the FERPA page.
5. By signing your Financial Aid Award Letter or accepting your aid through C-N Connect, you are authorizing us to release information to the U.S. Department of Education, state agencies, scholarship donors, scholarship selection committees and other C-N departments as needed.
6. You are required to notify the Office of Financial Aid in writing or via email of the amounts of any financial aid received from outside sources and of any changes in enrollment status.
7. Carson-Newman University aid is available for eight semesters for incoming freshman. Transfer students may retain this award for the number of semesters normally required to achieve graduation. Only students enrolled full-time in our traditional undergraduate programs seeking their first undergraduate degree are eligible for University merit scholarships, need-based scholarships and endowments.
8. In preparing undergraduate award letters, C-N assumes full-time enrollment each semester. Undergraduate students must contact the office of Financial Aid if you will enroll for less than full-time attendance or if you plan to repeat a course in which you have earned credit previously. To reflect your current status, the Office of Financial Aid will adjust awards after each drop period ends. Due to C-N policy of grade replacement, when repeating a course with a D or better, your financial aid enrollment status will be based on courses for which you will receive new credit. For examples of how this policy is applied, review the Satisfactory Academic Progress information. C-N University aid is reserved for full-time, on-ground students seeking their first undergraduate degree.
9. You must be enrolled at least half-time to maintain eligibility for loan disbursements each semester. Undergraduate and graduate enrollment of at least half-time is six credit hours per term (as of 2018).

• Responsible Use & Copyright

• 2021 Total Enrollment.pdf
• Freshmen Persistence & Graduation Rates.pdf

• Family Education Rights & Privacy Act

• C-N Bookstore

• C-N Military Services
• C-N Military Services (Classic)

• 2021 Total Enrollment.pdf
• Fall 2021 Pell Grant recipients (as reported to TICUA): 662

• Graduation Rates.pdf

• Equity in Athletics.pdf

• Student Voter Registration

• Map & Directions

• C-N Athletic Facilities

• Stephens-Burnett Memorial Library

• Student Housing

As a student financial aid recipient, you have the right to:

1. Know the correct deadlines and procedures for submission of aid applications.
2. Know the types of aid available, including all federal, state and institutional aid programs, and the policies or regulations that govern these programs.
3. Know the cost of attendance at Carson-Newman and the University's refund policy.
4. Know how financial need is determined, the criteria for awarding aid, how academic progress is determined and what you have to do to continue receiving aid.
5. Know the type and amount of assistance you will receive, how much of your need has been met and how and when you will receive your aid funds.
6. View the contents of your student financial aid file, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
7. Know the conditions of any loan you accept.
8. Know the terms, conditions and pay rate for any student job you accept under the Federal Work Study Program.
9. Appeal decisions if you have been denied financial assistance. Appeals must be filed no later than 30 days from the decision of denial.
10. Expect and receive complete confidentiality about financial aid awarded by our office.
11. Know the University complaint procedures for online education and on-ground students.

1. Know the University Enrollment and Graduation data and University Fire and Safety data.

As a student financial aid recipient, it is your responsibility to:

1. Accurately complete and submit application materials within required or recommended time frames.
2. Know and comply with enrollment requirements related to financial aid eligibility.
3. Read all materials sent to you in printed or electronic format from the Office of Financial Aid and other agencies awarding you aid. 
4. Read, understand, and keep copies of all forms you sign. (Check your C-N email often.)
5. Accept responsibility for all agreements and forms you sign on paper or electronically.
6. Use funds awarded to you solely for educational expenses incurred while attending Carson-Newman.
7. Notify the Office of Financial Aid when your housing or enrollment status changes.
8. Notify the Office of Financial Aid within 30 days of a grade change, such as an incomplete converting to a grade, as timely notification is necessary for aid eligibility monitoring.
9. Know and comply with the rules governing the aid you receive to include the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
10. Provide additional documentation, federal tax returns, W-2s and any additional information when requested by the Office of Financial Aid.
11. Comply with the provisions of any billing promissory note and all other University agreements you sign.
12. Know the University's refund policy and implications of dropping a course or withdrawing from the University.
13. Repay all educational loans according to the repayment provisions agreed upon at the time the loan was accepted and the promissory note signed.
14. Enroll at least half-time and complete exit counseling upon ending enrollment, if borrowing Federal Direct Loans.
15. Report any wages, loans, grants or scholarships received from external private sources to the Treasurer’s Office / Student Accounts Office.  External sources of aid may cause a revision of aid awarded to you.
16. Keep your local and permanent addresses current with the Registrar’s Office and with any lending institutions.

• Academic Information
• General Information
• Cost and Financial Aid
• Student Outcomes
• Student Services
• Campus Safety and Health
• Athletic Information

For federal aid to pay for a course in your major, minor, or other degree requirement, if must be part of your approved Course Program of Study (CPos) and must count in the evaluation of your approved program using the degree evaluation tool.  You need to make sure all courses count when you meet with your academic advisor and plan your schedule for each semester.

First: Officially Declare Your Major and Minor

It is essential that your major and minor are officially declared and noted in your student record.  If you have been planning to declare or change a major or minor, but have not yet done so, you should consult with your academic advisor immediately to make the official declaration.

• Courses can only be determined to be eligible based on the officially declared major and minor as noted in your student record

Second: Assumptions About Financial Aid Offers

Financial aid offers are based on the assumption that undergraduate students will enroll full-time and graduate students will enroll at least half-time in eligible coursework during the fall and spring semesters.

Third: Keep Your Eligibility

Remember that dropping or not attending your courses can negatively impact your eligibility for current and future aid.  It is important that your discuss your Course Program of Study with your advisor when your enroll for next semester's classes.  if your current coursework is not correct, work with your advisot to make the appropriate changes to your major or minor.

Why is this important?

Taking courses that are not required to completed your program could result in your receiving less or no federal aid or in owing money back.  Taking classes that are not in your Course Program of Study for your officially declared major and/or minor may result in a reduction of your overall financial aid offer since courses that are not eligible cannot be counted toward your full-time status.  In other words, the full-time Cost of Attendance (COA) requirements for undergraduates says that you must be enrolled in at least 12 eligible credit hours.  For example, if 9 of your 12 hours are in your Course Program of Study, but 3 of your hours do not count toward your major or minor, your COA will reflect that you are not a full-time student (only 3/4 time), which could reduce your state and university aid.  Remember:  We cannot award aid in excess of your Cost of Attendance.

What types of aid are affected by this?

Federal Aid (Examples: Pell Grant, FSEOG, Teach Grant, Direct Loans, and Work-study) may only be paid for eligible courses that count toward your program.  state, university Aid, and other aid (TSAA Grant, HOPE Scholarship, C-N Grant, and Alternative Loans) are currently not subject to the same regulatory restrictions.  However, your Cost of Attendance will be reduced for courses that are not counting towards the program of study; which can result in a lower about of state, university, and private aid that you may receive. 

How does this affect Cost of Attendance?

The Cost of Attendance is an estimate of your cost to go to school for a specific amount of time (semester or year) and is based on your enrollment status, and we cannot award aid in excess of your Cost of Attendance.  Enrollment status for financial aid is based on eligible courses only.  If you are in 12 hours that count towards your program of study, you will be considered a full-time student for cost of attendance purposes.  If you are enrolled in 12 hours and only 9 hours are required toward your officially declared program of study, your federal aid will be reduced to 3/4 time based on 9 hours, as will your Cost of Attendance.  However if your Cost of Attendance allows, you may still be eligible for a full-time university grant/scholarship and/or TN state grant/scholarship.  Federal Direct Loans require 1/2 time attendance (at least 6 credit hours).  If you are enrolled in 6+ hours, but only 3-5 hours are required for your program of study, you will not be eligible to receive a Federal Direct Loan.

If your federal aid has been reduced due to enrollment in coursework that does not apply towards your outstanding requirements in your program of study, you should contact your academic advisor to discuss your academic options.  Otherwise, if you have questions regarding financial aid, contact our office located in Butler Welcome Hall or by emailing financialaid@cn.edu. 

Not all students will be selected for the verification process.  For those who are selected, Carson-Newman's Office of Financial Aid is here to help.

Verification is a process used to confirm certain information you provided on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  Some students are selected by the U.S. Department of Education randomly or because FAFSA data was incomplete, estimated, or inconsistent, while others may be selected by our office based on conflicting information. 

If you are selected for verification, Carson-Newman is required to collect documentation from you to confirm or correct the information reported on your FAFSA.  If selected, you will receive a letter detailing the documentation needed from you to complete the process.  The verification process ensures that eligible students receive all the aid for which they qualify.

Regardless of why you were chosen, our office will work with you to collect the proper documentation.  Carson-Newman may issue you an award letter with tentative aid, but we will not be able to apply aid to your student account until verification is complete.  Please understand that your financial aid is subject to change as a result of verification.

Not all students will need the same documentation, so pay special attention to your letter. Please do not send documents unless requested.  Generally, however, you will need at least the following:

• Signed Verification Worksheet (Dependent Student  OR  Independent Student)
• Copies of IRS Tax Return Transcript (Note: If you used the IRS Data Retrieval option when completing the FAFSA and have made no changes to the tax information, a tax return transcript may not be required.)
• Copies of W-2s

It is important that all documents requested be returned as quickly as possible to avoid delays.  If you have amended your tax return(s), we will need a copy of the original and the amended version.  If you have requested an extension for filing your tax return(s), please send a copy of the extension until you are able to provide that filed tax information.  Completing this process as soon as possible cannot be overstressed.  We want to be able to give you accurate financial aid, rather than tentative aid that is subject to change.  Please understand that all information will be kept confidential in our office.  Once your file has been reviewed, it may be necessary to correct your FAFSA information. If we have corrected information while you are in verification, please do not correct your FAFSA back to what you originally filed, as this will create further delays.

All documents and forms may be mailed or faxed to the Office of Financial Aid.

For questions about the verification process, please contact the Office of Financial Aid by phone at (800) 678-9061, (865) 471-3247, or by email at financialaid@cn.edu.

As a student employed in the Federal Work Study program at Carson-Newman, many questions and answers regarding your work study employment may be found in the Student Employment Handbook as it outlines the terms and conditions of the Federal Work Study program. Terms and conditions of student employment are subject to change based on change(s) in Federal or University policies. Feel free to contact our office with any questions.

Student Employment Handbook

The Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (TELS) HOPE funding requires a student to meet certain renewal GPAs at each renewal benchmark:

The TELS HOPE GPA may not be the same as your Carson-Newman University GPA, so use the following Excel calculator to determine your estimated TELS HOPE GPA: 

 HOPE GPA Calculator (Excel Version)

Students without Excel may review the calculation process below:

Official TELS HOPE GPAs will be calculated by the University and are completed at the end of every semester for every Tennessee HOPE eligible student.  Students are notified via email when the official calculation indicates a student is no longer eligible for lottery funding.  Students that have lost HOPE Lottery funding are eligible to regain at the next benchmark by meeting the renewal GPA requirements.

The TELS HOPE Lottery funding eligibility ends when a student has attained a baccalaureate degree OR has attempted 120 semester hours OR 5 years have passed from initial enrollment at any post-secondary institution---whichever occurs first.  Exceptions may be available to students with documented medical disabilities.  Students enrolled in a program of study greater than 120 hours may receive the award for up to 136 attempted hours OR the number of hours required to earn degree, whichever is less.  Most undergraduate degree programs at Carson-Newman University require 120 semester hours, so funding ceases at 120 attempted hours.

Updated Information as of November 2014 and Proposals available here.

Although the Development, Relief, and Education of Alien Minors (DREAM) Act has never been passed into law by Congress, certain eligible young immigrants may now be eligible to apply for temporary relief called "deferred action." Deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) provides individuals who are not in lawful immigration status and entered into the United States as minors a two-year grant of deferred action.  The DACA does not provide a pathway to citizenship, nor does it confer lawful immigration status upon recipients.  It does allow for work authorization, application for social security numbers, and potentially obtaining a driver's license, depending upon the state of domicile. 

DACA Qualifications:

1. Entry into the U.S. before the age of 16;
2. Five years of continuous residence and actual physical presence in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and on June 15, 2012;
3. Enrollment in or graduation from high school or other qualifying educational program or obtained GED certificate;
4. No convictions for felonies, significant misdemeanors, multiple misdemeanors, and no national security or public safety threats; and
5. At least 15 years of age at the time of application but not more than 30 years of age on June 15, 2012.
6. Individuals are required to pay a $465 filing fee to Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and individuals should seek assistance from a qualified immigration attorney or non-profit organization.
7. More information is available from Department of Homeland Security.

DACA Recipients and Financing College:

In certain states, undocumented immigrants are eligible to pay in-state tuition rates at public universities.  The good news is that Carson-Newman's tuition and fees are the same regardless of state residency.  However, DACA recipients are currently ineligible to receive federal student aid as they do not currently fit into any of the U.S. Department of Education's categories for eligible noncitizens.  Additionally, undocumented students are also ineligible for most state financial aid programs.

Carson-Newman does award merit aid to undocumented students upon acceptance even though students may not qualify for federal and state aid.  Additionally, DACA recipients should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The student must have a Social Security number to complete the FAFSA online.  This FAFSA will be used by Carson-Newman solely to determine if an undocumented student may also qualify for Carson-Newman need based aid.  In comparison to public colleges who may charge out-of-state tuition, the cost of attending Carson-Newman is many times more affordable.

DACA students should also explore sources for outside funding.  Students may be eligible for private scholarships, depending upon eligibility requirements.  Students should conduct free scholarship searches in pursuit of funding.

Important Considerations for DACA Recipients:

1. DACA program is still new and developing.  Some issues remain to be resolved.
2. Since DACA does not confer an immigration status, students who have received DACA or have a pending application for DACA should not travel or study abroad.
3. Students who choose to work while in school should understand that personal earned income is taxable and well as certain scholarships.  Since federal tax filing categories for DACA recipients are not yet clear, the exact tax consequences for DACA recipients have not been determined.

What's Next?

1. Apply for admission to Carson-Newman. 
2. Upon acceptance to Carson-Newman, students will be sent a merit aid offer.
3. If DACA is right for you, then take appropriate steps to make an application, but read and consult appropriate legal advice.
4. Students with Social Security numbers may file the FAFSA.
5. Financial Aid Award Notifications will be sent to students that are determined to be eligible for need-based Carson-Newman assistance.
6. If DACA is not right for you, or you do not have a Social Security number to file the FAFSA, and you have been accepted to Carson-Newman, please contact our Admissions Office regarding options.  Students will also need to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor and should have their student and parent(s)' income information available at appointment time.

Please contact us for additional information regarding enrolling to Carson-Newman.  We are here to help students afford a great education at a great price!

The Office of Financial Aid encourages you to take the time to learn financial basics.  If you are a young adult just beginning your college education or ready to graduate with your degree, learning how to manage your money should be a priority in your life.  We want you to become financially educated.  With the help of the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), CashCourse is available to Carson-Newman Students.

Start now by clicking the link below:

In university programs and activities, Carson-Newman University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or veteran’s status.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination in educational programs and activities which receive Federal financial assistance. Title IX specifically states that “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal assistance.” Sexual harassment of students, which includes sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX. Under the guidelines provided by Title IX, sexual violence refers to physical sexual acts perpetrated against a person’s will or where a person is incapable of giving consent due to the victim’s use of drugs or alcohol.

Carson-Newman University understands its obligations under Title IX to protect students in connection with all academic, educational, extracurricular, athletic and other programs it sponsors whether those programs take place on campus or off campus. Carson-Newman University expects its students to refrain from sexual misconduct at any time and at any place.

Those who have a complaint regarding sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, dating violence or other violations of the Sexual Misconduct Policy should contact the Campus Title IX Coordinator, who will initiate an investigation in accordance with the complaint and grievance procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. More information is provided in the Discrimination and Harassment Section of the Student Handbook.

The Title IX Coordinator for Carson-Newman University is the director of Human Resources:

Title IX Coordinator
Elaine W. Smith, SPHR
1646 Russell Avenue 

Fite Administration Building, Suite 204
Jefferson City, TN 37760
Office Telephone: (865) 471-7164
Email: esmith@cn.edu

Entrance and Exit Counseling are designed to help student borrowers understand the benefits and responsibilities of Direct Loans, terms of any loan received, and loan repayment information associated with Direct Loans.

Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

Both the entrance counseling and Master Promissory Note are required for loan disbursement. Use the Student Loans link below to complete this process for Federal Direct Stafford Loans or Direct PLUS Loans.

Direct Loan Exit Counseling

Federal regulations require all student loan borrowers to participate in Stafford Loan exit counseling whenever dropping below half-time enrollment status, transferring, withdrawing or graduating. Use the Student Loans link below to complete exit counseling.

Important Links

• Federal Student Aid
• Federal Loans & Grants

Students convicted of a federal or state offense of selling or possessing illegal drugs may not be eligible for federal student aid (grants, loans and work study). Students who answer "Yes" to question 31 on the FAFSA will be sent a worksheet by the federal processing center to determine if the conviction affects eligibility for aid. Also, if the Financial Aid Office is notified that a student has been convicted of possession or sale of illegal drugs during the academic year, all federal student aid will be suspended immediately.

Convictions only count if the offense occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal student aid. Also, a conviction that was reversed, set aside or removed from the student's record does not count.

The chart below illustrates the period of ineligibility for federal student aid funds depending on whether the conviction was for sale or possession and whether the student had previous offenses. (A conviction for sale of drugs includes convictions for conspiring to sell drugs.)

Students regain eligibility the day after the period of ineligibility ends or when they successfully complete a qualified drug rehabilitation program. Further drug convictions will extend ineligibility. Students denied eligibility for an indefinite period can regain aid only after successfully completing a rehabilitation program or if a conviction is reversed, set aside or removed from the student's record so that fewer than two convictions for sale or three convictions for possession remain on the record. In such cases, the nature and dates of the remaining convictions will determine when the student regains eligibility. It is the student's responsibility to certify to the Office of Financial Aid the date of conviction and if he/she has completed a drug rehabilitation program.