About Freed-Hardeman University
Freed-Hardeman University brings together 1,244 students in small-town Henderson, Tennessee, where faith and academics intersect on a close-knit campus. This Churches of Christ-affiliated institution emphasizes Christian values while offering rigorous academic programs. The university accepts 91% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1140. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that fosters meaningful relationships between professors and pupils.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $20,082 after aid, less than the sticker price of $34,840. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,485 ten years after graduation. Most borrowers leave with $21,500 in debt and monthly payments of $228. The 97.7% employment rate suggests graduates find work quickly after earning their degrees.
Campus life revolves around both academics and athletics. The Lions compete in 13 NAIA sports with 308 student-athletes sharing over $5 million in athletic scholarships. About 80% of students return for their sophomore year. The student body is 55% female and draws primarily from Tennessee and surrounding states. Nearly all 1,240 students can live on campus, creating a residential community atmosphere.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $20,082 after aid, less than the sticker price of $34,840. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,485 ten years after graduation. Most borrowers leave with $21,500 in debt and monthly payments of $228. The 97.7% employment rate suggests graduates find work quickly after earning their degrees.
Campus life revolves around both academics and athletics. The Lions compete in 13 NAIA sports with 308 student-athletes sharing over $5 million in athletic scholarships. About 80% of students return for their sophomore year. The student body is 55% female and draws primarily from Tennessee and surrounding states. Nearly all 1,240 students can live on campus, creating a residential community atmosphere.
Academics & Faculty
Freed-Hardeman operates as a Christian liberal arts university where faith integration shapes every academic program. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and can provide individualized mentoring. With a 69% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their degrees on time despite the school's rigorous academic expectations. The university is particularly known for its teacher education programs, which have prepared generations of educators for Tennessee schools. Business and nursing programs also draw strong regional recognition. Students benefit from small class sizes that encourage discussion and critical thinking. The Churches of Christ affiliation means biblical studies requirements complement traditional liberal arts coursework across all majors.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 69.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 68.4%
- Retention Rate
- 80.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,485
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $57,318 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,061 |
| Bible/Biblical Studies. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $44,971 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $36,668 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,107 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Henderson sits 90 miles northeast of Memphis, giving students access to a major city without urban distractions. The campus houses 1,240 students in residence halls, meaning nearly the entire student body of 1,244 lives on campus. This creates a tight-knit community where Christian fellowship shapes daily interactions. Students gather for required chapel services and Bible classes as part of the Churches of Christ tradition.
Tennessee's mild climate means light jackets in winter and plenty of sunny days for outdoor activities. With 308 varsity athletes competing in 13 NAIA sports, Lions games draw campus crowds on weekends. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often join them for meals in the dining hall. Students organize mission trips, service projects, and Bible bowl competitions. Social life revolves around residence hall activities, campus ministry events, and trips to nearby Natchez Trace State Park. The small-town setting means most entertainment happens on campus, from movie nights to seasonal festivals that bring the entire community together.
Tennessee's mild climate means light jackets in winter and plenty of sunny days for outdoor activities. With 308 varsity athletes competing in 13 NAIA sports, Lions games draw campus crowds on weekends. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often join them for meals in the dining hall. Students organize mission trips, service projects, and Bible bowl competitions. Social life revolves around residence hall activities, campus ministry events, and trips to nearby Natchez Trace State Park. The small-town setting means most entertainment happens on campus, from movie nights to seasonal festivals that bring the entire community together.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,240 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
2 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–46°F
- July Avg
- 66°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 58.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
Freed-Hardeman draws students who value faith-based education within the Churches of Christ tradition. About 61% come from Tennessee, reflecting the university's strong roots in the region and appeal to local Christian families. Women slightly outnumber men, typical for smaller liberal arts institutions that emphasize education and ministry programs. The student body is predominantly white at 88%, which aligns with the demographics of rural Tennessee and the Churches of Christ denomination. With 23% receiving Pell Grants, the school serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education in a close-knit community setting.
- Men
- 45.3%
- Women
- 54.7%
- White
- 87.6%
- Black
- 4.3%
- Hispanic
- 0.2%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 61.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.5%
Location
Henderson, Tennessee sits about 85 miles northeast of Memphis in the rural western part of the state. The town has roughly 6,300 residents and maintains a quiet, small-town atmosphere typical of rural Tennessee communities. Campus housing accommodates 1,240 students, nearly matching the school's total enrollment of 1,244. Henderson offers a close-knit environment where students often know their neighbors and professors personally. The area features rolling hills, farmland, and forests characteristic of Middle Tennessee's landscape. About 61% of students come from Tennessee, giving the campus a regional feel. The town lacks the entertainment and internship opportunities of larger cities but provides a focused academic environment. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Freed-Hardeman University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Henderson, Tennessee 38340-2399
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,485
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,541
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $31,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Freed-Hardeman University?
Freed-Hardeman University accepts 91% of applicants, making it very accessible for students seeking a Christian education. Students typically score around 1140 on the SAT, and the university emphasizes faith-based learning within the Churches of Christ tradition.
How much does Freed-Hardeman University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,082 annually, bringing down the $25,000 tuition for most families. Students graduate with a median debt of $21,500, which translates to monthly loan payments of $228.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Freed-Hardeman University?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in its faith-centered academic environment. With just 1,244 students total, the small campus fosters close relationships between professors and students in Henderson, Tennessee.
What are the employment outcomes for Freed-Hardeman University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 97.7% employment rate, demonstrating strong career preparation despite the rural Tennessee setting. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $47,485, reflecting the university's focus on practical, faith-integrated education.
Where is Freed-Hardeman University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in Henderson, Tennessee, a small town setting that houses nearly all of the university's 1,244 students in on-campus facilities. With 308 student-athletes competing in 13 NAIA sports as the Lions, athletics play a significant role in campus culture.
How diverse is the student body at Freed-Hardeman University?
The student population is 88% white, reflecting both its Churches of Christ affiliation and rural Tennessee location. Women comprise 55% of students, and about 61% come from within Tennessee, creating a close-knit community centered on Christian values.
