Tennessee has no shortage of 4-year, private Christian colleges and universities. Students can choose from a diverse array of degree programs and school sizes at schools spread throughout the state. Learn more about a small sampling of the Christian institutions in Tennessee.
School Comparison
Many different cities in Tennessee are home to Christian colleges and universities. Explore a few of these schools, their denominations and their tuition rates.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Tuition (2021-2022)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Brothers University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Memphis, TN | $34,820 |
| Trevecca Nazarene University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Church of the Nazarene | Nashville, TN | $26,898 |
| Lee University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Church of God | Cleveland, TN | $20,500 |
| Lane College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Christian Methodist Episcopal | Jackson, TN | $11,790 |
| Johnson University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Christian Churches and Churches of Christ | Knoxville, TN | $19,274 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Description of the Christian Colleges in Tennessee
Students interested in attending a Christian institution in Tennessee may want to consider what size school they wish to attend, what kind of degree they want to pursue and what subject areas interest them. These Christian schools also vary in the spiritual resources and opportunities they offer students. Here we discuss a few of these schools and what makes them unique.
Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University was the first college in the city of Memphis and has a total enrollment of about 1,794 students, according to the school's homepage as of 2021. The school's website also states that 97% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Students at the school can pursue associate's, bachelor's or master's degree programs in a range of subject areas, including Catholic studies, business administration, engineering, education, math, sport and fitness administration, history and graphic design. To further develop students' spiritual lives, the school's campus ministry has several different student organizations, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Catholic Student Association (CSA), First Love (Bible study) and Truth. Love. Community. (T.L.C.).
Trevecca Nazarene University
Trevecca Nazarene University provides associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in addition to undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. Students can pursue study in areas like e-commerce, community development, intercultural studies, nursing, pre-physical therapy, sport ministry, religion and organizational leadership. According to the NCES, the school had 1,917 undergraduate students in 2021. Students can participate in corporate worship services, student-led ministries, discipleship groups and TAG - Trevecca Around the Globe, which is the school's local and global missions program. The school also offers several other student organizations, such as Best Buddies, Social Justice Club, Concert Team and National Student Leadership Society (NSLS).
Lee University
According to the school's homepage, Lee University had a fall 2021 enrollment of 4,505 students. The school offers bachelor's and master's degree programs as well as post-master's certificates. Students can choose from more than 50 majors, including ministry studies, athletic training, business administration, public relations, education, nursing, psychology and fine arts. Lee's campus ministry offers chapel services, small groups and counseling services to help students grow in their faith. Students may also participate in spiritual organizations, such as FCA, Pioneers for Christ, Mission Alive, Unity Dance Troupe and Street Reach Children's Program.
Lane College
Lane College is an undergraduate institution that is also a Historically Black College. Students can invest in their spiritual life by attending the required ten chapel services per semester and participating in service activities. The school also offers Greek life, marching band, choir, varsity athletics and other student organizations, like an NAACP chapter, Chess Club and Communication Club. Students can pursue bachelor's degree programs in areas including French, religion, computer science, physics, sociology, criminal justice and music. The NCES reported that the school had about 1,047 students in 2021.
Johnson University
Johnson University is a unique school that offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs online, on-campus in Tennessee and on-campus in central Florida. According to the NCES, the school had 658 undergraduate students in 2021. Students can pursue certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in a variety of areas, such as ministry leadership, intercultural studies, media ministry, counseling, youth ministry, audio production, organizational psychology and nonprofit administration. The school offers chapel services and small groups to help students grow in their faith, and students are expected to meet the school's standards for Christian conduct.
