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Christian Colleges in Tennessee

31 schools in Tennessee. See our methodology.

Baptist Health Sciences University graduates earn $72,529 annually, the highest among Tennessee's 31 Christian colleges, reflecting the state's strength in healthcare where HCA Healthcare employs thousands. This specialized focus contrasts sharply with the broader liberal arts approach at schools like Rhodes College and The University of the South, which maintain graduation rates above 80%. The state's Christian colleges span from tiny Williamson Christian College with 40 students to Lipscomb University's 3,021 enrollment. Net prices range from $13,401 to $32,096, making faith-based education accessible across income levels. Tennessee's lack of state income tax helps families stretch education dollars further. Music programs at schools like Visible Music College connect directly to Nashville's entertainment industry, while nursing and health science tracks align with Tennessee's medical sector dominance. The Tennessee Promise program covering community college creates unique transfer pathways for students seeking four-year Christian education. Acceptance rates vary dramatically from Visible Music College's selective 20.4% to more open-access institutions approaching 96% acceptance.
31
Schools
$20,179
Avg. Net Price
$49,305
Avg. Earnings
54.0%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Christian Colleges in Tennessee

College listings
# School Affiliation Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 Baptist 673 $13,401 53.8%
2 Interdenominational 815 $16,494 55.9%
3 Protestant Episcopal 1,598 $27,498 82.4%
4 Presbyterian Church (USA) 1,931 $25,060 81.6%
5 Free Will Baptist 261 $19,983 61.4%
6 Southern Baptist 1,637 $26,815 70.9%
7 Interdenominational 164 $26,181 48.3%
8 Christian Churches and Churches of Christ 703 $20,303 62.2%
9 Interdenominational 40 $22,721 50.0%
10 Churches of Christ 3,021 $25,610 68.7%
11 Seventh-day Adventist 2,673 $24,334 51.4%
12 Church of God 2,712 $20,399 60.7%
13 Baptist 48 $19,294 33.3%
14 Churches of Christ 1,244 $20,082 68.4%
15 Presbyterian Church (USA) 975 $23,508 46.4%
16 Church of the Nazarene 1,697 $14,459 54.8%
17 Christian Churches and Churches of Christ 783 $21,131 60.3%
18 Interdenominational 7,306 $32,096 71.7%
19 United Methodist 832 $14,879 43.6%
20 Roman Catholic 953 $10,896 56.0%
21 Presbyterian Church (USA) 1,028 $20,986 47.2%
22 Baptist 1,374 $18,661 46.4%
23 Cumberland Presbyterian 1,671 $21,803 34.9%
24 Christian Methodist Episcopal 822 $14,494 17.0%
25 Christian Churches and Churches of Christ 23 $11,881 75.0%
26 Presbyterian Church (USA) 903 $22,874 30.5%
27 Multiple Protestant 571 $8,992 24.7%
28 Church of God 0
29 Seventh-day Adventist
30 Cumberland Presbyterian
31 United Methodist

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Baptist Health Sciences University graduates earn the most among Tennessee Christian colleges?

Baptist Health Sciences University focuses specifically on healthcare programs, preparing graduates for Tennessee's booming medical sector where major employers like HCA Healthcare operate. The specialized curriculum in nursing and health sciences leads to median earnings of $72,529, significantly above the state's Christian college average of $51,000 annually.

How do graduation rates compare between small and large Christian colleges in Tennessee?

Smaller schools like Welch College with 261 students achieve 61.4% graduation rates, while larger institutions show mixed results. The University of the South maintains 82.4% with 1,598 students, but Lipscomb University graduates 68.7% despite serving 3,021 students. Size doesn't determine success as much as institutional support systems.

Is music education at Tennessee Christian colleges connected to Nashville's industry?

Visible Music College in Memphis offers direct industry connections with highly selective 20.4% acceptance rates, though graduates earn $35,933 starting salaries. The proximity to Nashville's music scene provides internships and networking opportunities, but the specialized nature means fewer backup career options compared to broader liberal arts programs.

Does the Tennessee Promise program benefit Christian college students?

Tennessee Promise covers community college tuition, creating affordable pathways to Christian four-year institutions. Students can complete prerequisites for $0, then transfer to schools like Lee University or Union University. This reduces total education costs since Christian college net prices range from $13,401 to $32,096 annually.

What role does Tennessee's tax structure play in college affordability?

Tennessee charges no state income tax, allowing families to allocate more income toward education. With Christian college costs ranging up to $32,096 annually, the tax savings can cover several thousand dollars in college expenses. This advantage particularly helps middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based aid.

Where do Tennessee Christian college graduates find employment opportunities?

Major Tennessee employers like HCA Healthcare, FedEx, and Nissan actively recruit from Christian colleges. Healthcare programs connect to the state's medical industry concentration, while business graduates find opportunities in Nashville's corporate sector. The state's 31 Christian colleges produce approximately 6,000 graduates annually into this job market.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.