Bryan College-Dayton: $18,900 Tuition

$18,900Tuition

815Students

56%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$54,434Earnings

#5 in TennesseePrivate nonprofit4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24Interdenominational

About Bryan College-Dayton

Bryan College sits in the small town of Dayton, Tennessee, where 815 students pursue a Christian liberal arts education rooted in conservative evangelical values. This interdenominational college attracts students who want their faith integrated into every part of their academic experience. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means you'll know your professors personally, and the semester calendar gives you time to build real relationships on campus. About 76% of students come from Tennessee, creating a close-knit community where most people share similar backgrounds and beliefs.

The financial picture works well for most families. While tuition costs $18,900, students typically pay $16,494 after aid, with lower-income families paying as little as $12,480. Graduates earn a median of $54,434 ten years after college, which is solid for a small liberal arts school. Most students graduate with $23,000 in debt and monthly payments of $244. With an employment rate of 94.5%, finding work after graduation usually isn't a problem.

The Lions compete in 11 varsity sports through the NJCAA, with 268 athletes receiving $1.5 million in athletic scholarships. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish their degrees. The retention rate of 65% means about one-third of first-year students transfer or drop out.

Academics & Faculty

Bryan College takes a Christian approach to liberal arts education, meaning students study subjects like English, history, and science through a biblical worldview. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay small and professors know students personally, which matters at a school where faith and learning connect in every classroom. About 54% of students graduate within four years, which is typical for smaller Christian colleges where students sometimes take time off for mission work or ministry. The college is known for its education and ministry programs, preparing students to become teachers and pastors. Every major includes Bible courses, so expect your psychology or business classes to include discussions about Christian ethics and values.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 24.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 53.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 55.9%
Retention Rate: 64.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $54,434
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Campus Life

Bryan College sits in Dayton, Tennessee, a small town about 40 miles north of Chattanooga in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains. With housing capacity for 681 students and total enrollment of 815, most students live on campus in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and you'll see familiar faces everywhere you walk.

Tennessee weather means you'll need both winter coats and plenty of sunscreen. Summers get hot and humid, while winters bring occasional snow to the mountains. The campus sits in a town of fewer than 7,000 people, so students create their own fun through intramural sports, campus ministries, and outdoor activities in the nearby mountains. With 268 total athletes across 11 varsity sports, athletics play a big role in campus life. Weekend activities often center around Christian fellowship events, hiking trips, or drives to Chattanooga for shopping and restaurants. The interdenominational Christian environment shapes daily life, with chapel services and Bible studies woven into the weekly routine.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 681 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Domestic Violence	2	1	1	0
Dating Violence	2	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–47°F
July Avg: 66°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 55.5"
Annual Snowfall: 2.8"

Student Demographics

Bryan College draws students who want a Christian education close to home, with 76% coming from Tennessee and nearby states. The school serves many first-generation college students, as 22% receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Students here tend to be conservative Christians looking for a smaller community where faith and academics mix together. The nearly even gender split of 51% men and 49% women reflects the college's broad liberal arts programs rather than focusing on fields that typically attract one gender more than the other.

Men: 50.9%
Women: 49.1%
White: 81.7%
Black: 5.0%
Hispanic: 4.3%
Asian: 1.0%
In-State Students: 75.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.4%

Location

Bryan College sits in Dayton, Tennessee, about 40 miles north of Chattanooga and roughly 120 miles southeast of Nashville. This small town of 7,000 people sits in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, giving students access to hiking trails and outdoor recreation. Dayton gained national attention in 1925 as the site of the famous Scopes "Monkey Trial" about teaching evolution in schools. The area remains deeply religious and conservative, which aligns well with Bryan's Christian mission. With 75.93% of students coming from Tennessee, most are already familiar with the rural, small-town atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Bryan College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Dayton, Tennessee 37321

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $54,434
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $39,500
Loan Repayment Rate: 68.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $244/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Bryan College-Dayton?

Bryan College-Dayton enrolls 815 students and maintains a 64.52% retention rate, suggesting a moderately selective admissions process. This Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the Free Will Baptist denomination draws 75.93% of its students from Tennessee, creating a close-knit community atmosphere.

How much does Bryan College-Dayton cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,494 after aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $12,480. The school offers institutional grants averaging $11,977 to 27.48% of students, making this Christian education more affordable than the sticker price of $28,700.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Bryan College-Dayton?

Bryan College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in this small liberal arts environment. The college emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students as part of its Christian educational mission.

What do graduates of Bryan College-Dayton earn after college?

Graduates earn a median of $38,617 one year after graduation and $54,434 ten years later. The college achieves a 94.5% employment rate, reflecting strong career preparation despite the 55.90% six-year graduation rate.

Where do students live at Bryan College-Dayton?

The campus houses 681 students in residence halls, nearly matching the total enrollment of 815. Room and board costs $8,550, and the small-town Dayton setting provides a quiet environment for study and spiritual growth.

Does Bryan College-Dayton offer athletic scholarships?

The Lions compete in 11 NJCAA varsity sports with 268 total athletes receiving $1,539,074 in athletic scholarships. This represents a significant investment in athletics for a small Christian college, helping students combine faith, academics, and competition.