12 Top Christian Colleges in Tennessee
Are you a Christian student looking for a college in the Volunteer State? Look no further than this list of the top 12 Christian colleges in Tennessee. From small liberal arts schools to large universities, Tennessee has a diverse range of Christian institutions that offer high-quality education and spiritual growth opportunities.
1. Bryan College
Religious affiliation: Nondenominational
Bryan College is a private Christian liberal arts college located in Dayton. The college offers over 50 undergraduate majors and pre-professional programs, with popular choices including business, education, exercise health science, engineering, and psychology.
Students at Bryan College can enjoy a vibrant campus life and participate in over 40 student organizations, including performing arts and various athletic teams. The college also emphasizes spiritual development, with chapel services held three times a week and numerous opportunities for mission trips and service projects. Off-campus activities include exploring Chickamauga Lake, Tennessee River, and downtown Dayton.
School size: 1,548 undergraduates
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Tuition: $20,500 per year
For more information about Bryan College, see page 28 of The Guide.
2. Carson-Newman University
Religious affiliation: Baptist
Carson-Newman University is a private Christian university in Jefferson City. The university offers over 50 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, with the top majors being business, nursing, education, biology, and exercise science.
Students can join various clubs and organizations, including honors societies, Christian small groups, sports teams, and student government. Regarding spiritual life, there are daily chapel services, mission trips, and other opportunities for students to grow in their faith. Nearby the campus is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, two lakes for kayaking and fishing, and Knoxville for a large city feel.
School size: 2,669 undergraduates
Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Tuition: $38,700 per year
For more information about Carson-Newman University, see page 120 of The Guide.
3. Johnson University
Religious affiliation: Christian Church/Church of Christ
Johnson University is a private Christian university in Knoxville with a mission to equip students with the skills and resources they need to be successful in their spiritual formation. All undergraduate programs require a major in Bible and theology in addition to an arts and sciences core. The top academic programs are biblical studies, psychology, business, and divinity, ministry, and pre-theology.
Along with academic excellence, Johnson University also offers a vibrant student and spiritual life, providing opportunities for students to get involved in numerous student clubs, mission trips, and spiritual retreats. In addition, the surrounding area has a lot to do as the campus sits on the French Broad River and is near downtown Knoxville and the Smoky Mountains.
School size: 652 undergraduates
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Tuition: $20,318 per year
4. King University
Religious affiliation: Presbyterian Church
Located in Bristol, King University is a private Christian liberal arts university offering over 90 undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a variety of fields. Popular majors include nursing, business, social work and youth services, and psychology.
The university also strongly emphasizes spiritual life, with daily chapel services and a campus ministry program. Students can get involved in various clubs and organizations on campus, including academic, athletic, and social groups. Additionally, the surrounding area offers many exciting things to do for college students, such as visiting local museums, attending concerts, and exploring the nearby mountains and hiking trails.
School size: 1,076 undergraduates
Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Tuition: $34,800 per year
5. Lee University
Religious affiliation: Church of God
Lee University is a Christian liberal arts university in Cleveland. The university offers 58 majors, 188 academic programs, and 52 study-abroad trips. Popular majors include theology and religious vocations, business, health professions, psychology, and education.
Spiritual life is integral to campus culture, with weekly chapel services, campus ministries, and community service. In terms of student life, Lee University has more than 100 clubs and organizations for students to engage with, including intramural sports, service organizations, and academic clubs. The university is also located near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing students with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
School size: 3,700+ students
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Tuition: $24,870 per year
For more information about Lee University, see page 141 of The Guide.
6. Lipscomb University
Religious affiliation: Church of Christ
Located in Nashville, Lipscomb University is a private Christian university. It offers more than 200 areas of study with top majors that include biology, business, engineering, entertainment and the arts, and nursing.
The student body is diverse and actively engaged in campus life, with 60+ student organizations and a wide range of athletic teams. The university also provides many opportunities for spiritual growth, such as chapel services, Bible studies, service projects, and mission trips in over 25 countries. Located in Nashville, students have access to internship and service-learning opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene.
School size: 3,000 undergraduates
Student-teacher ratio: 13:1
Tuition: $42,596 per year
For more information about Lipscomb University, see page 142 of The Guide.
7. Milligan University
Religious affiliation: Independent Christian Churches
Milligan University is a private Christian liberal arts university in Milligan. Students can choose from over 100 majors and minors. The top five majors include nursing, business, exercise science, mechanical engineering, and psychology. Additionally, the university offers small class sizes and personalized attention from professors specializing in their fields.
Student life is active, with a diverse range of clubs and organizations and 27 varsity athletic teams. The university also emphasizes spiritual growth, offering chapel programs, Bible studies, and mission trips.
School size: 1,181 students
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Tuition: $39,150 per year
For more information about Milligan University, see page 64 of The Guide.
8. Southern Adventist University
Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Southern Adventist University is a private Christian university in Collegedale, Tennessee, near Chattanooga. Students can choose from a variety of programs, with popular majors including nursing, biomedical sciences and molecular medicine, business, and kinesiology and exercise science. The university combines academic rigor with a commitment to faith, preparing students for both professional success and spiritual growth.
Campus life is vibrant, offering a range of clubs, organizations, and recreational opportunities, along with chapel services and mission programs that strengthen students’ faith. Southern Adventist also competes in intercollegiate athletics and provides a welcoming community where students can connect and thrive.
School size: 2,827 undergraduates
Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Tuition: $25,590 per year
9. The Institute for GOD
Religious affiliation: Nondenominational
The Institute for GOD is a Christian college dedicated to the Bible and missions in Nashville. There are two majors: biblical studies and community development. Students then choose an occupational focus to gain skills and experience in one of 20+ areas.
This college emphasizes hands-on learning, and students spend more than 12 weeks on international mission trips. Apart from academics, there are opportunities for spiritual growth through mentoring, Bible studies, prayer groups, chapel, and more.
School size: 150 students
Student-teacher ratio: 10:1
Tuition: $16,575 per year
For more information about The Institute for GOD, see page 90 of The Guide.
10. Trevecca Nazarene University
Religious affiliation: Nazarene
Also located in Nashville, Trevecca Nazarene University is a private Christian college offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Popular undergraduate majors include business entrepreneurship, nursing, psychology, biology, and criminal justice studies.
The university has a diverse student body, with students from 44 states and 41 countries. In addition, Trevecca offers various student organizations and activities, chapel services, campus ministries, and mission trips to integrate faith and learning.
School size: 1,579 undergraduates
Student-teacher ratio: 20:1
Tuition: $31,750 per year
For more information about Trevecca Nazarene University, see page 94 of The Guide.
11. Union University
Religious affiliation: Southern Baptist
Union University is a liberal arts Christian institution located in Jackson. The university offers more than 100 programs of study. Top majors include nursing, business, biology, education, and communication arts.
Outside the classroom, students can engage with over 90 student organizations, NCAA Division II sports, and an active residential life experience. Regarding spiritual life, there are campus worship experiences, Bible studies, and small group ministries for students to grow their faith.
School size: 2,718 students
Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Tuition: $39,990 per year
For more information about Union University, see page 96 of The Guide.
12. Welch College
Religious affiliation: Free Will Baptists
Located in Gallatin, Welch College is a private Christian college dedicated to preparing students to serve Christ in their chosen field. The school offers over 50 academic programs across four schools and departments: School of Theology, School of Education, Department of Arts and Sciences, and Department of Music.
Apart from academics, students are part of a Christian-centered community filled with events, service, leadership development, on-campus activities, and more. In addition, the school is just a short drive from Nashville, where students can experience a city filled with arts and culture.
School size: 358 undergraduates
Student-teacher ratio: 9:1
Tuition: $20,796 per year
Wrapping Up
Tennessee is home to many Christian colleges and universities offering high-quality education and opportunities for spiritual growth. By choosing one of these top 12 Christian colleges in Tennessee, students can receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for lives of service, leadership, and faith.
