Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2023

BEST IN TENNESSEE CHRISTIAN COLLEGES

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.

10 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee

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  1. Rhodes College
  2. Sewanee: The University of the South
  3. Belmont University
  4. Lipscomb University
  5. King University
  6. Maryville College
  7. Union University
  8. Lee University
  9. Tennessee Wesleyan University
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University
  1. LeMoyne–Owen College 98%
  2. Christian Brothers University 97%
  3. University of Tennessee Southern 92%
  4. Belmont University 88%
  5. Freed–Hardeman University 88%
  6. Lee University 83%
  7. Carson–Newman University 79%
  8. Trevecca Nazarene University 78%
  9. Tusculum University 77%
  10. Lipscomb University 74%
  1. Tusculum University 18 to 1
  2. Lane College 17 to 1
  3. Lee University 15 to 1
  4. Bethel University 15 to 1
  5. Lipscomb University 14 to 1
  6. Belmont University 14 to 1
  7. Carson–Newman University 14 to 1
  8. University of Tennessee Southern 13 to 1
  9. Trevecca Nazarene University 13 to 1
  10. Freed–Hardeman University 13 to 1
  1. Rhodes College $50,910
  2. Sewanee: The University of the South $49,418
  3. Belmont University $38,430
  4. Maryville College $37,016
  5. Lipscomb University $35,752
  6. Union University $35,510
  7. Christian Brothers University $34,820
  8. King University $32,838
  9. Carson–Newman University $31,320
  10. Trevecca Nazarene University $26,898
  1. Rhodes College $50,600
  2. Belmont University $24,300
  3. Tennessee Wesleyan University $20,870
  4. Sewanee: The University of the South $17,963
  5. Lipscomb University $17,100
  6. Lee University $14,850
  7. King University $14,207
  8. Christian Brothers University $12,928
  9. Southern Adventist University $11,880
  10. Bethel University $11,723
  1. Bethel University
  2. Freed–Hardeman University
  3. Tusculum University
  4. Welch College
  5. LeMoyne–Owen College
  6. Bryan College
  7. Southern Adventist University
  8. Carson–Newman University
  9. Lane College
  10. University of Tennessee Southern
  1. Bethel University 50%
  2. Union University 53%
  3. Rhodes College 57%
  4. Tennessee Wesleyan University 60%
  5. Sewanee: The University of the South 60%
  6. King University 66%
  7. Maryville College 68%
  8. Southern Adventist University 74%
  9. Lipscomb University 74%
  10. Tusculum University 77%
  1. Welch College 9 to 1
  2. Rhodes College 9 to 1
  3. Sewanee: The University of the South 10 to 1
  4. Union University 10 to 1
  5. Christian Brothers University 11 to 1
  6. King University 11 to 1
  7. LeMoyne–Owen College 11 to 1
  8. Tennessee Wesleyan University 11 to 1
  9. Maryville College 12 to 1
  10. Bryan College 12 to 1
  1. University of Tennessee Southern $10,200
  2. Lane College $11,790
  3. LeMoyne–Owen College $12,076
  4. Bryan College $17,360
  5. Bethel University $17,482
  6. Welch College $19,582
  7. Lee University $20,500
  8. Southern Adventist University $23,210
  9. Freed–Hardeman University $23,300
  10. Tusculum University $26,510
  1. Tusculum University $7,200
  2. Welch College $8,100
  3. University of Tennessee Southern $8,910
  4. Carson–Newman University $9,432
  5. Bryan College $9,630
  6. Freed–Hardeman University $10,980
  7. Trevecca Nazarene University $11,235
  8. Union University $11,618
  9. Bethel University $11,723
  10. Southern Adventist University $11,880

Colleges and Universities in Tennessee

About one third of the higher learning institutes in Tennessee are public schools. Students who attend these schools can expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 to $13,000 in tuition and have the option to pursue degrees in fields such as economics, history, nursing, literature, education, and criminal justice. Tennessee’s largest public school, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, boasts some impressive alumni, including Oprah Winfrey, Kurt Vonnegut, and Cormac McCarthy. The private school alumni are equally as notable. For example, author James Patterson and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Muhammad Yunus both attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Tennessee also offers nearly 30 religiously affiliated schools, the largest being Belmont University in Nashville, located just blocks from the famous Music Row. Here, students can study a wide range of fields including Christian leadership, audio engineering technology, and biophysics. Additionally, Tennessee offers students several loan forgiveness programs. Math and science teachers, minority teachers, and registered nurses interested in becoming teachers or administrators who meet certain requirements may be eligible.

Tennessee is home to mouthwatering barbecues, electrified blues, and the sweeping majesty of the Smoky Mountains National Park. And with access to countless historic sites, unique museums, and lush green spaces, students attending one of the more than 60 colleges and universities in The Volunteer State will have plenty to do and see in their downtime.

Discover more about the top programs and higher education learning opportunities available in Tennessee.


What are Tennessee’s Colleges & Universities?

Tennessee’s Best Overall

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.

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Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2022

  1. #4

    Lipscomb University

    Nashville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    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
  2. #5

    Bryan College

    Dayton , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    1K

    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
  3. #6

    Lee University

    Cleveland , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    58%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/24

    What is Lee University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  4. #7

    Union University

    Jackson , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    53%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/26

    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
  5. #8

    King University

    Bristol , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/22

    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. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    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
  7. #10

    Carson–Newman University

    Jefferson City , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $31K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1040/22

    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
  8. #11

    Maryville College

    Maryville , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $37K

    Acceptance

    68%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1020/24

  9. Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/23

    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
  10. Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    955/22

    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
  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1146/22

    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. #15

    Lane College

    Jackson , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Graduation

    24%

    Student body

    1K

    What is Lane College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  13. #16

    Welch College

    Gallatin , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $20K

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    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
  14. #17

    Bethel University

    McKenzie , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    987/18

    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
  15. #18

    LeMoyne–Owen College

    Memphis , TN

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    18%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is LeMoyne–Owen College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  16. Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    92%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1017/20

    What is University of Tennessee Southern known for?

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

  17. Tuition + fees

    $23K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/24

    What is Freed–Hardeman University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  18. #21

    Tusculum University

    Greeneville , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1002/21

    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
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Tennessee’s Best Christian Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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