About Christian Brothers University
Christian Brothers University builds engineers and business leaders through hands-on learning in the heart of Memphis. This Catholic institution enrolls 953 students who benefit from intensive mentorship and practical experience. The engineering program stands out for its industry connections, while the business school emphasizes ethical leadership rooted in Lasallian tradition. Students work closely with faculty in a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personal attention.
The financial picture looks surprisingly manageable despite a $37,300 sticker price. Most students pay an average net price of $10,896 after aid, making this private education accessible to middle-class families. Graduates earn a median $57,478 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $27,000. The investment pays off with a 93.6% employment rate and monthly loan payments around $286.
The diverse student body reflects Memphis itself, with 25.6% white students, 21.5% Black students, and 18.9% Hispanic students creating a multicultural learning environment. The Buccaneers compete in NCAA Division II with 287 student-athletes across 13 sports. Despite the small size, campus life stays active through the Gulf South Conference athletics and Memphis's active music and business scene just outside the gates.
The financial picture looks surprisingly manageable despite a $37,300 sticker price. Most students pay an average net price of $10,896 after aid, making this private education accessible to middle-class families. Graduates earn a median $57,478 ten years after graduation while carrying typical debt of $27,000. The investment pays off with a 93.6% employment rate and monthly loan payments around $286.
The diverse student body reflects Memphis itself, with 25.6% white students, 21.5% Black students, and 18.9% Hispanic students creating a multicultural learning environment. The Buccaneers compete in NCAA Division II with 287 student-athletes across 13 sports. Despite the small size, campus life stays active through the Gulf South Conference athletics and Memphis's active music and business scene just outside the gates.
Academics & Faculty
Christian Brothers University operates as a Catholic university with particularly strong engineering and business programs that attract students to Memphis. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. However, the 56% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete their degrees despite this support. The university's engineering school has built a solid regional reputation, while business programs prepare students for careers in Memphis's logistics and healthcare sectors. With only 953 total students, class sizes remain small across all disciplines. The academic experience emphasizes both technical skills and Catholic social teaching principles.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 98.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 57.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 56.0%
- Retention Rate
- 72.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,478
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $94,892 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $76,460 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $67,660 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $64,493 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $59,169 |
| Education, General. | Master | $52,663 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $44,963 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,729 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
Campus Life
Christian Brothers University sits on a 75-acre campus in midtown Memphis, putting students just minutes from downtown and Beale Street's music scene. The campus houses 605 students, meaning about 63% of the 953-student body lives on campus in a tight-knit residential community. Memphis weather means shorts and t-shirts dominate most of the year, though you'll need a light jacket for brief winter months.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Weekend life revolves around the Buccaneers' 13 NCAA Division II sports teams, with 287 student-athletes competing in the Gulf South Conference. Students frequently explore Memphis's legendary barbecue joints, catch live music on Beale Street, or visit the National Civil Rights Museum. The Catholic Lasallian tradition shapes campus culture through service learning and social justice initiatives. With 72.57% of students returning each year, the small size means forming lasting friendships across the diverse student body, which includes 25.6% White, 21.51% Black, and 18.89% Hispanic students.
The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. Weekend life revolves around the Buccaneers' 13 NCAA Division II sports teams, with 287 student-athletes competing in the Gulf South Conference. Students frequently explore Memphis's legendary barbecue joints, catch live music on Beale Street, or visit the National Civil Rights Museum. The Catholic Lasallian tradition shapes campus culture through service learning and social justice initiatives. With 72.57% of students returning each year, the small size means forming lasting friendships across the diverse student body, which includes 25.6% White, 21.51% Black, and 18.89% Hispanic students.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 605 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1871
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 33°–50°F
- July Avg
- 73°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 54.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.7"
Student Demographics
The student body of 953 reflects the university's strong Memphis roots, with nearly three-quarters coming from Tennessee. The diverse enrollment includes substantial Black and Hispanic populations alongside white students, creating a multicultural Catholic campus. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for universities emphasizing liberal arts alongside technical programs. About 31% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable private education. The mix of local students and economic diversity aligns with the Christian Brothers' mission of accessible education rooted in community service and Catholic values.
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.3%
- White
- 25.6%
- Black
- 21.5%
- Hispanic
- 18.9%
- Asian
- 1.9%
- In-State Students
- 73.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 30.6%
Location
Christian Brothers University sits in Memphis, Tennessee, a major river city of 650,000 people on the Mississippi River. The campus occupies 75 acres in the Midtown district, just minutes from downtown Memphis and the famous Beale Street music scene. Memphis serves as a major transportation and logistics center, with FedEx headquartered here alongside a thriving healthcare industry. The city's rich musical heritage includes blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll history at Sun Studio and Graceland. Students benefit from internship opportunities across Memphis's diverse economy while experiencing authentic Southern culture and barbecue. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Christian Brothers University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Memphis, Tennessee 38104
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $57,478
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $60,868
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $36,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Christian Brothers University?
Christian Brothers University admits 87% of applicants with an average ACT score of 23. This Catholic university draws primarily from Tennessee, with 74% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Christian Brothers University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Christian Brothers University is $10,896, lower than the $37,300 sticker price. About 28% of students receive institutional grants averaging $26,964, making this Memphis school surprisingly affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Christian Brothers University?
Christian Brothers University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 953 total students. The school is known for strong engineering and business programs within this intimate Catholic setting.
What are the graduation outcomes at Christian Brothers University?
Christian Brothers University graduates 58% of students in four years, with graduates earning a median salary of $57,478 after ten years. The employment rate reaches 94%, reflecting strong career preparation in their signature programs.
Where do students live at Christian Brothers University?
Christian Brothers University houses students in facilities accommodating 605 people on their Memphis campus. With 953 total enrollment, the majority of students live off-campus in Tennessee's largest city.
Does Christian Brothers University compete in Division I athletics?
Christian Brothers University competes in NCAA Division II as the Buccaneers in the Gulf South Conference. The school offers 13 varsity sports with 287 total athletes and awards over $3 million in athletic scholarships.
