Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2026
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 2026
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.
Use this list to compare institutions on the features that matter most to prospective students: denominational identity and how faith is integrated into campus life, academic breadth and major availability, typical campus size and residential options, and practical considerations like tuition, financial aid, and regional placement opportunities. The schools here vary from small faith-based liberal arts colleges to larger universities with professional programs; read each profile to match institutional character and program offerings to your academic and spiritual priorities for 2026.
Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #3 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$59K
Acceptance
50%
Graduation
81%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1393/29
Career Outlook for degree at Rhodes College
Cost of Degree: $54,892Expenses: $16,654Starting Salary: $79,506Cost Recoup Time: 15 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 2026 #7 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2026 #9 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
71%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1255/27
Career Outlook for degree at Belmont University
Cost of Degree: $41,320Expenses: $21,250Starting Salary: $62,789Cost Recoup Time: 16 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 2026 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #5 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #10 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$58K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
79%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1325/29
Career Outlook for degree at Sewanee: The University of the South
Cost of Degree: $53,704Expenses: $18,288Starting Salary: $72,175Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- #19 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2026 #5 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
68%
Graduation
71%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/26
Career Outlook for degree at Lipscomb University
Cost of Degree: $38,824Expenses: $20,854Starting Salary: $62,332Cost Recoup Time: 16 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
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Entertainment Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Psychology
Degree Concentrations
- Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC)
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 33-60
- Completion Time: 18 months
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Business Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Organizational Communication
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Customer Experience
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Data Analytics
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Entertainment Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Integrated Studies
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Strategic Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Technology Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Organizational Communication
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Strategic Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Supply Chain and Operations Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA/BS in Technology Management
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Studies in Business Leadership
- Required Credits: 126
- Format: Fully online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #9 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
100%
Graduation
44%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at King University
Cost of Degree: $34,800Expenses: $15,484Starting Salary: $65,781Cost Recoup Time: 14 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: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Technology
Degree Concentrations
- Information Technology
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Arts
Degree Concentrations
- English
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Humanities
Degree Concentrations
- History
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Criminal Justice
- Communication
- Psychology
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Theology
Degree Concentrations
- Religious Studies
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
BSW in Social Science
Degree Concentrations
- Social Work
- Required Credits: 52
- Completion Time: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Medical
Degree Concentrations
- Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion Time: 16 months
- Format: Fully online
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #8 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #10 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
61%
Graduation
48%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1103/24
Career Outlook for degree at Maryville College
Cost of Degree: $38,514Expenses: $17,214Starting Salary: $50,006Cost Recoup Time: 17 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
- #9 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #2 Best Online Associate in Human Services #4 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
75%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1275/26
Career Outlook for degree at Union University
Cost of Degree: $20,302Expenses: $20,826Starting Salary: $58,910Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Organizational Leadership
Degree Concentrations
- Organizational Management
- Project Management
- Health Management
- Church Leadership
- Completion Time: 18 months
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Completion Time: 18 months
- Format: Fully online
- #23 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2026 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #10 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #11 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
55%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1200/21
Career Outlook for degree at Christian Brothers University
Cost of Degree: $37,300Expenses: $14,252Starting Salary: $55,642Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
- Format: Fully 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 122
- Format: Fully 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
- Format: Fully online
BA in Professional Psychology; Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- Public Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Criminal Law
- Corrections
- Policing
- Juvenile Justice
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
18%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Lane College
Cost of Degree: $11,790Expenses: $11,890Starting Salary: $35,657Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
Tuition + fees
$25K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
62%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1135/23
Career Outlook for degree at Lee University
Cost of Degree: $22,690Expenses: $14,610Starting Salary: $47,741Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
- #6 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #7 Best Online Associate in Human Services #9 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2026 #10 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
51%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1107/21
Career Outlook for degree at Trevecca Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $30,090Starting Salary: $56,862What 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: 18 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Christian Ministry
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: 18 months
- Format: Fully online
BA in Management and Leadership
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: 18 months
BA in Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$11K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
32%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1007/21
Career Outlook for degree at University of Tennessee Southern
Cost of Degree: $10,506Expenses: $17,600Starting Salary: $46,623Cost Recoup Time: 12 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:
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2026 #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #11 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
Tuition + fees
$22K
Graduation
53%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Bryan College
Cost of Degree: $18,900Expenses: $13,470Starting Salary: $55,127Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BA in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Leadership
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management or Marketing
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Communication Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
BS in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Format: Fully online
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #15 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #18 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
49%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Tennessee Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $29,264Expenses: $13,816Starting Salary: $53,474Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Completion Time: 1 years
- Format: Fully online
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #16 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #17 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2026 #19 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
54%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Career Outlook for degree at Carson–Newman University
Cost of Degree: $34,700Expenses: $15,843Starting Salary: $51,756Cost Recoup Time: 16 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: 48 months
- Format: Fully online
Tuition + fees
$29K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
56%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1160/22
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Adventist University
Cost of Degree: $25,590Expenses: $13,910Starting Salary: $58,780Cost Recoup Time: 13 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
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
24%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at LeMoyne–Owen College
Cost of Degree: $12,076Expenses: $8,100Starting Salary: $41,221Cost Recoup Time: 10 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
- #10 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #15 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #17 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026 #21 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$31K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
39%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at Tusculum University
Cost of Degree: $28,500Expenses: $16,750Starting Salary: $48,636Cost Recoup Time: 15 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: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
Bachelor of Independent Studies in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 2 years
- Format: Fully online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: 18-20 months
BS in Business Administration
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- #13 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry #16 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #19 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$22K
Graduation
55%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Welch College
Cost of Degree: $20,796Expenses: $17,116Starting Salary: $44,636Cost Recoup Time: 15 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
- Format: Fully online
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #18 Best Online Associate Degrees in Tennessee 2026 #21 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
29%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
975/18
Career Outlook for degree at Bethel University
Cost of Degree: $17,530Expenses: $13,745Starting Salary: $49,011Cost Recoup Time: 12 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
- Format: Fully online
BS in Nursing
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
BS in Emergency Services Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
BS in Business Leadership
Degree Concentrations
- Customer Relationship Management
- Fire Science
- Business Management
- Information Technology
- Healthcare Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Format: Fully online
- #14 Best Online MBA Programs in Tennessee #17 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs #24 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2026
Tuition + fees
$26K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
73%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1019/22
Career Outlook for degree at Freed–Hardeman University
Cost of Degree: $25,000Expenses: $13,590Starting Salary: $48,969Cost Recoup Time: 14 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
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