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63.2%Acceptance
$20,318Tuition
703Students
62%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,596Earnings
#14 in TennesseePrivate nonprofit4-yearNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Christian Churches and Churches of Christ

About Johnson University

Johnson University trains future ministers and Christian leaders in the foothills of East Tennessee. The 703-student campus sits in a rural setting outside Knoxville, where it has prepared students for Christian ministry since 1893. Students come here specifically for ministry training programs that emphasize practical service alongside theological study. The acceptance rate of 63% makes admission competitive but accessible for committed Christian students.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $20,303 after aid, which represents minimal discount from the sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $40,596 ten years after leaving, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio with typical debt loads of $21,500. Monthly loan payments average $228, which represents a significant portion of early-career ministry salaries. The 96.9% employment rate shows graduates find work, but ministry positions typically offer modest compensation.

The student body reflects the school's Christian mission with 78% white enrollment and a slight majority of women at 54%. With only 242 total athletes across nine varsity sports, this is not a sports-focused campus. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, which matters for students preparing for pastoral roles requiring strong mentorship.

Academics & Faculty

Johnson University centers its academics around Christian ministry and biblical studies, preparing students for religious leadership roles. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and provide mentorship for both academic and spiritual development. With a 63.8% four-year graduation rate, most students complete their programs on time despite the intensive theological coursework. The university offers specialized tracks in pastoral ministry, youth ministry, and Christian counseling that blend practical field experience with classroom learning. Students participate in required chapel services and missions work as part of their academic experience. The curriculum emphasizes both biblical scholarship and hands-on ministry skills that graduates use in churches and Christian organizations nationwide.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
63.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
62.2%
Retention Rate
74.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,596
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Theological and Ministerial Studies. Master $30,771
Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. Bachelor $26,585
Bible/Biblical Studies. Bachelor $25,310
Theological and Ministerial Studies. Bachelor $25,194
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $24,035
Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries. Bachelor $23,579
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $21,052

View all 64 programs →

Campus Life

This rural Tennessee campus sits about 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville, giving students access to city amenities while maintaining a close-knit community feel. With 703 students and housing capacity for 776, most undergraduates live on campus in residence halls that foster strong relationships. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic goals.

Knoxville's four-season climate requires both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the 80s. The Christian foundation shapes campus life through required chapel services and Bible study programs. Students often spend weekends at intramural sports, campus ministry events, or exploring the nearby Smoky Mountains. With 242 student athletes competing in 9 NJCAA sports, Royals games draw solid crowds. The semester system allows for meaningful relationships to develop, while the 74% retention rate suggests most students find their academic and spiritual home here. Ministry preparation programs attract students planning careers in Christian service.
Setting
Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity
776 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1893

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 1 1 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–49°F
July Avg
67°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
48.8"
Annual Snowfall
3.6"

Student Demographics

Johnson University draws students seeking faith-based education, with 703 enrolled across undergraduate and graduate programs. The student body splits 54% women to 46% men, reflecting the university's strong programs in ministry, counseling, and education that traditionally attract more female students. Nearly half the students come from Tennessee, showing the school's deep roots in the region's Christian community. With 38% receiving Pell Grants, the university serves many first-generation college students called to ministry work. The demographic mix reflects Johnson's mission as an affordable option for students pursuing Christian service careers.
Men
45.7%
Women
54.3%
White
78.1%
Black
5.3%
Hispanic
4.6%
Asian
1.1%
In-State Students
45.6%
Pell Grant Recipients
38.3%

Location

Johnson University sits in Knoxville, Tennessee, about 180 miles east of Nashville. The campus occupies a rural-fringe setting just outside Tennessee's third-largest city. Knoxville provides access to both Appalachian mountain recreation and SEC football culture at the University of Tennessee. The 703-student campus draws 45.63% of its enrollment from Tennessee residents. Students find themselves within driving distance of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the outdoor recreation opportunities that define East Tennessee. The setting combines small-town Christian community values with proximity to a mid-sized college city. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Johnson University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Knoxville, Tennessee 37998

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$40,596
Median Earnings (5 years)
$42,748
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,200
Loan Repayment Rate
61.5%
Monthly Loan Payment
$228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Johnson University?

Johnson University accepts 63.21% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1000-1175 on the SAT with an average of 1088. This Christian university in Knoxville draws students primarily seeking ministry training and faith-based education.

How much does Johnson University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Johnson University is $20,303 after aid, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $14,271, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full tuition of $20,318. Only 38.27% of students receive federal Pell Grants, indicating a mix of economic backgrounds.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Johnson University?

Johnson University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 703 total students enrolled. This small size allows for personalized attention in the university's Christian education and ministry training programs. The retention rate of 74.19% reflects the close-knit community atmosphere typical of smaller religious institutions.

What are the graduation outcomes at Johnson University?

Johnson University graduates 62.20% of students within six years, with a slightly higher four-year rate of 63.80%. Alumni earn a median salary of $40,596 ten years after graduation with typical student loan debt of $21,500. The 96.9% employment rate suggests strong job placement for graduates in ministry and related fields.

Where is Johnson University located and what is campus life like?

Johnson University sits in a rural-fringe setting in Knoxville, Tennessee, housing 776 students on campus. The campus serves 703 students with 54.34% women and 45.66% men, creating a balanced community. As a Christian Churches and Churches of Christ institution founded in 1893, the campus culture centers around faith and ministry preparation.

Does Johnson University offer athletic scholarships?

Johnson University distributes $965,576 in athletic scholarships across 9 varsity sports programs with 242 total athletes. The Royals compete in NJCAA athletics, providing opportunities for nearly one-third of the student body to participate in sports. This high level of athletic participation reflects the university's commitment to developing well-rounded Christian leaders.