I went to this university twice...both times on the same day--for graduations. One at 9 AM and one at 1:00 PM. Yeah, I know....how enthralling can a place of education be on such a usually ponderous time? This university is a Baptist school, and so much warmer than I recall my four years at the Baptist College at Charleston (now Charleston Southern University) in the late 1960s. The level of staff and the outreach of students and professors at Carson-Newman during, before and after the two graduations (having to be split into two due to heavy rain being predicted, and thus moved inside instead of in their football stadium) impressed me and warmed me. How many universities have a university hymn sung at graduation and have Psalm 100 read during graduation. It just warmed my heart on this recent Friday (their graduations are always on Fridays). read more

Beautiful sports facilities, but you can tell that's where all the school's money goes. I stayed here for a week of summer camp and upon entering my designated dorm (that looks like a prison facility), both beds, dressers and tables had a layer of dust on them. Room was musty, and the floor was grimy. I woke up feeling gross after 1 night. As for the resident hall bathroom: I have literally stayed in 3rd world country mission houses with cleaner showers. There is mildew and mold caked on every shower head and wall. Absolutely disgusting. Would not recommend without disposable shower shoes. Cafeteria food is ok, but I opted for fast food at most meals over the mystery meatloaf. Facilities outside of the sports and activities centers look a little worse for wear. Probably haven't been updated in 20 years or so. Not to mention there wasn't working AC on in the main building where sessions were being held. All this to say, I'm not sure I'd like to stay here again, and I honestly couldn't imagine living in these conditions as a student on campus. read more

My youngest child graduated with a degree from CNU and walked across the graduation stage with a full time job. CNU grads are highly desired in the work place. The school has an incredible reputation. It is safe. The environment is accepting yet keeps a solid grip on its Christian history and principles. This university was worth every penny we spent to put her through college here. My oldest child is attending and will graduate in 2019 with a degree from CNU and we fully expect great things for him as he walks across the stage for his first college degree. His experience is much different but he is a post-military service college student who has a lot of life experience under his belt. His perspective on life and college is a bit different. CNU has a prayer walk on the first day before classes start. Parents are invited to participate. It brought tears to my eyes but reminded me why we selected CNU. They honor God FIRST and they are unashamed about it. read more