Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025

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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.

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

  1. #1

    Rhodes College

    Memphis , TN

    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: $52,310
    Expenses: $16,040
    Starting Salary: $64,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    Belmont University

    Nashville , TN

    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: $39,850
    Expenses: $20,630
    Starting Salary: $51,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. 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: $51,135
    Expenses: $17,558
    Starting Salary: $51,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    Lipscomb University

    Nashville , TN
    Other Rankings

    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: $37,152
    Expenses: $19,536
    Starting Salary: $51,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  5. #5

    King University

    Bristol , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    61%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at King University

    Cost of Degree: $33,784
    Expenses: $15,026
    Starting Salary: $50,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is King University known for?

    King University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  6. #6

    Union University

    Jackson , TN
    Other Rankings

    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: $19,363
    Expenses: $19,460
    Starting Salary: $49,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Union University known for?

    Union University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  7. #7

    Maryville College

    Maryville , TN

    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: $37,758
    Expenses: $16,800
    Starting Salary: $44,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #8

    Lee University

    Cleveland , TN

    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: $21,730
    Expenses: $14,070
    Starting Salary: $37,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Christian Brothers University

    Cost of Degree: $35,520
    Expenses: $13,574
    Starting Salary: $50,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  10. 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: $10,200
    Expenses: $17,600
    Starting Salary: $36,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Tennessee Southern known for?

    University of Tennessee Southern’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

  11. Other Rankings

    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: $28,500
    Expenses: $12,410
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Trevecca Nazarene University known for?

    Trevecca Nazarene University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  12. #12

    Lane College

    Jackson , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Lane College

    Cost of Degree: $11,790
    Expenses: $11,890
    Starting Salary: $27,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Lane College known for?

    Lane College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. 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: $27,350
    Expenses: $12,500
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  14. #14

    Bryan College

    Dayton , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryan College

    Cost of Degree: $17,900
    Expenses: $12,960
    Starting Salary: $44,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Bryan College known for?

    Bryan College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  15. #15

    Carson–Newman University

    Jefferson City , TN

    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: $33,000
    Expenses: $14,964
    Starting Salary: $41,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  16. 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: $23,870
    Expenses: $13,730
    Starting Salary: $46,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Adventist University known for?

    Southern Adventist University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  17. #17

    LeMoyne–Owen College

    Memphis , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    100%

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at LeMoyne–Owen College

    Cost of Degree: $12,076
    Expenses: $8,100
    Starting Salary: $30,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is LeMoyne–Owen College known for?

    LeMoyne–Owen College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #18

    Tusculum University

    Greeneville , TN
    Other Rankings

    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: $27,208
    Expenses: $17,914
    Starting Salary: $42,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Tusculum University known for?

    Tusculum University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
  19. #19

    Welch College

    Gallatin , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Welch College

    Cost of Degree: $20,170
    Expenses: $16,870
    Starting Salary: $31,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
  20. 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: $24,300
    Expenses: $13,000
    Starting Salary: $41,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Freed–Hardeman University known for?

    Freed–Hardeman University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  21. #21

    Bethel University

    McKenzie , TN
    Other Rankings

    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: $16,871
    Expenses: $15,846
    Starting Salary: $43,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What 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
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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
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