Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025
For prospective college students looking for schools that align with their Christian faith and demonstrate academic excellence, here are the best Christian colleges and universities in Tennessee.
Key Takeaways
- Students seeking a Bible college or Christian university education have a wider range of choices in Tennessee than in almost any other state.
- Attending a Christian college in Tennessee will help students to deepen their faith while getting a college education. Students will develop their Christian worldview, helping to define their purpose and passion in life.
- Tennessee is known for its natural beauty, a big draw for many students.
10 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top ten Christian colleges in Tennessee saw a decent amount of shuffling. The University of Tennessee Southern, in particular, raised nine ranking positions. The university was able to accomplish this as they launched the Southern Innovation Hub, which offers students access to entrepreneurial resources, mentoring, and state-of-the-art facilities for startup development. The university has also expanded its health and wellness programs with the addition of a new fitness center and mental health services, promoting a holistic approach to student well-being.
The following list of the best Christian schools consists entirely of colleges and universities that offer four-year undergraduate degrees. We’ve identified 21 Christian colleges in Tennessee. In order to be included in this ranking list of best Christian colleges and universities, a school must self-identify as Christian, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor degree programs.
Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$52K
Acceptance
54%
Graduation
85%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1390/30
Career Outlook for degree at Rhodes College
Cost of Degree: $54,892Expenses: $16,654Starting Salary: $64,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Rhodes College known for?
Rhodes College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- History
- Religious Studies
- Computer Science
- Psychology
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Communications
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
72%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1245/27
Career Outlook for degree at Belmont University
Cost of Degree: $41,320Expenses: $21,250Starting Salary: $51,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Belmont University known for?
Belmont University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$51K
Acceptance
52%
Graduation
81%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1306/29
Career Outlook for degree at Sewanee: The University of the South
Cost of Degree: $53,704Expenses: $18,288Starting Salary: $51,700Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Sewanee: The University of the South known for?
Sewanee: The University of the South’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Business
- History
- Economics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #14 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #5 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #8 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
69%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/26
Career Outlook for degree at Lipscomb University
Cost of Degree: $38,824Expenses: $20,854Starting Salary: $51,500Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lipscomb University known for?
Lipscomb University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Business
- Education
- Medical
- Political Science
- History
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
Lipscomb University’s Online Degrees
BA/BS in Customer Experience
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Entertainment Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 33-60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Business Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Organizational Communication
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Customer Experience
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Entertainment Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Strategic Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Technology Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Studies in Organizational Communication
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Strategic Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Technology Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
46%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at King University
Cost of Degree: $34,800Expenses: $15,484Starting Salary: $50,300Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is King University known for?
King University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Social Work
- Communications
- Business
- Education
- History
- Political Science
Most Influential Alumni
King University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 60
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Information Technology
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Arts
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
- History
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Communication
- Psychology
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Theology
Degree Concentrations
- Religious Studies
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSW in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Social Work
- Required Credits: 52
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #10 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Human Services
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
53%
Graduation
67%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1235/26
Career Outlook for degree at Union University
Cost of Degree: $20,302Expenses: $20,826Starting Salary: $49,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Union University known for?
Union University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Criminal Justice
- Political Science
- Education
- History
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
Union University’s Online Degrees
BS in Christian Leadership
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Management
- Project Management
- Health Management
- Church Leadership
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
53%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1025/23
Career Outlook for degree at Maryville College
Cost of Degree: $38,514Expenses: $17,214Starting Salary: $44,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Maryville College known for?
Maryville College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
63%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1125/23
Career Outlook for degree at Lee University
Cost of Degree: $22,690Expenses: $14,610Starting Salary: $37,800Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lee University known for?
Lee University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Education
- Social Work
- History
- Literature
- Communications
- Business
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #16 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025 #17 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #21 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Christian Brothers University
Cost of Degree: $37,300Expenses: $14,252Starting Salary: $50,000Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Christian Brothers University known for?
Christian Brothers University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Christian Brothers University’s Online Degrees
BA in Professional Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Organizational Psychology
- Public Health
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Psychology; Organizational Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Business Law
- Microeconomics
- Macroeconomics
- Organization and Management
- International Business
- Human Resources Management
- Marketing
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 122
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Professional Psychology; Public Health
Degree Concentrations
- Principles of Epidemiology
- Health Policy and Management
- Global Public Health
- Public Health of Mental Illness
- Social and Behavioral Public Health
- Social Determinants of Health and Well-being
- Public Health Research Methods
- Program Planning and Evaluation
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #9 Most Affordable Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #24 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
30%
Student body
<1K
Median SAT/ACT
1092/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee Southern
Cost of Degree: $10,506Expenses: $17,600Starting Salary: $36,300Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Tennessee Southern known for?
University of Tennessee Southern’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #7 Best Online Associate in Human Services #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #9 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024 #10 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
Tuition + fees
$28K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
61%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/21
Career Outlook for degree at Trevecca Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $30,090Starting Salary: $49,000What is Trevecca Nazarene University known for?
Trevecca Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Physics
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Literature
- Communications
- Political Science
- History
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Trevecca Nazarene University’s Online Degrees
BS in Health Care Administration
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Management and Leadership
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$12K
Graduation
18%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Lane College
Cost of Degree: $11,790Expenses: $11,890Starting Salary: $27,500Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Lane College known for?
Lane College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- History
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Communications
- Sociology
- Literature
- Physics
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #16 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
50%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $29,264Expenses: $13,816Starting Salary: $43,700Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tennessee Wesleyan University known for?
Tennessee Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tennessee Wesleyan University’s Online Degrees
BS in Management
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$18K
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Bryan College
Cost of Degree: $18,900Expenses: $13,470Starting Salary: $44,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bryan College known for?
Bryan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Religious Studies
- Nursing
- Engineering
- Education
- Biology
- Literature
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Political Science
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
Bryan College’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management or Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #10 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024 #17 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
56%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1061/22
Career Outlook for degree at Carson–Newman University
Cost of Degree: $34,700Expenses: $15,843Starting Salary: $41,300Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Carson–Newman University known for?
Carson–Newman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Carson–Newman University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
Degree Concentrations
- Business Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
52%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1130/22
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Adventist University
Cost of Degree: $25,590Expenses: $13,910Starting Salary: $46,300Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Adventist University known for?
Southern Adventist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Medical
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Computer Science
- History
- Business
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Southern Adventist University’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Science to Post Master's in Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Required Credits: 77
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
18%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at LeMoyne–Owen College
Cost of Degree: $12,076Expenses: $8,100Starting Salary: $30,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is LeMoyne–Owen College known for?
LeMoyne–Owen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Social Work
- Literature
- Biology
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #15 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #22 Best Online Associate in English 2025
Tuition + fees
$27K
Acceptance
81%
Graduation
34%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1010/19
Career Outlook for degree at Tusculum University
Cost of Degree: $28,500Expenses: $16,750Starting Salary: $42,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tusculum University known for?
Tusculum University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Education
- Psychology
- Political Science
- History
- Business
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
Tusculum University’s Online Degrees
Bachelor of Independent Studies in English major
Degree Concentrations
- Creative Writing
- Literature
- Communication & Public Relations
- Education 6-12
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Bachelor of Independent Studies in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Business Administration
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #13 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #21 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$20K
Graduation
59%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Welch College
Cost of Degree: $20,796Expenses: $17,116Starting Salary: $31,000Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Welch College known for?
Welch College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Welch College’s Online Degrees
BS in Theological Studies
Degree Concentrations
- General Christian Ministries
- Required Credits: 124
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #17 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #22 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
70%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/22
Career Outlook for degree at Freed–Hardeman University
Cost of Degree: $25,000Expenses: $13,590Starting Salary: $41,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Freed–Hardeman University known for?
Freed–Hardeman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Communications
- Literature
- History
- Business
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #14 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2024 #20 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Tuition + fees
$17K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
45%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1029/19
Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University
Cost of Degree: $17,530Expenses: $13,745Starting Salary: $43,100Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Bethel University known for?
Bethel University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Bethel University ’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency Services Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tennessee’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
Rhodes College Sewanee: The University of the South Bryan College Southern Adventist University Maryville College Carson–Newman University King University Tusculum University Lipscomb University Lee University Union University Christian Brothers University Trevecca Nazarene University Freed–Hardeman University Tennessee Wesleyan University Belmont University