King University: 60.8% Acceptance Rate

60.8%Acceptance

$34,800Tuition

975Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$59,831Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Presbyterian Church (USA)

About King University

King University builds its reputation on nursing, business, and competitive athletics programs that serve 975 students in the small city of Bristol, Tennessee. This Presbyterian-affiliated institution has operated since 1867, developing a strong regional presence in Appalachia. The Tornado compete in NCAA Division II with 507 total athletes across 20 varsity sports, making athletics a visible part of campus culture.

Students face a sticker price of $34,800 for tuition, but the average net price drops to $23,508 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $59,831 ten years after leaving, while typical student debt sits at $22,750. The monthly loan payment of $241 represents a manageable burden given the earning potential. About 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle-class families seeking value.

Women make up 60% of the student body, and the school maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personal attention. The retention rate of 60% suggests some students struggle with the academic or social fit. However, those who stay benefit from strong employment outcomes, with 95% of graduates finding work. The 443-bed housing capacity creates a residential experience for less than half the student body.

Academics & Faculty

King University builds its academic reputation around practical professional programs, particularly nursing and business administration. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates close mentoring relationships that help students navigate demanding coursework. However, the 46% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees within six years. The Presbyterian-affiliated university emphasizes faith-integrated learning across disciplines. Nursing students benefit from clinical partnerships with regional healthcare systems, while business majors gain hands-on experience through internships in the Tri-Cities area. The semester calendar system allows for intensive study periods. Small class sizes mean professors know students by name, but the relatively low retention rate of 60% indicates academic rigor or financial pressures challenge some students early in their college careers.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 59.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 46.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.4%
Retention Rate: 59.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,831
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$57,995
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$53,810
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$42,682
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$33,993

View all 53 programs →

Campus Life

Bristol sits on the Tennessee-Virginia border, about two hours from Knoxville and three hours from Charlotte. With just 975 students total, King University creates an intimate campus where you'll recognize most faces by sophomore year. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you miss class. You'll need a winter coat for chilly Appalachian winters, though summers stay warm and humid.

Only 443 students can live on campus, so about half the student body commutes from the surrounding area. The 60% female student body brings a collaborative atmosphere to this Presbyterian-affiliated school. With 507 athletes across 20 varsity sports, the Tornado teams dominate weekend conversations and social calendars. Basketball and soccer games draw the biggest crowds. Bristol's location near the famous speedway means NASCAR culture runs deep here. Students often head to nearby hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains or catch concerts at Bristol Motor Speedway. The small-town setting keeps entertainment options limited, so campus programming and athletic events become the main social centers.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 443 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1867

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 24°–44°F
July Avg: 62°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.3"
Annual Snowfall: 9.2"

Student Demographics

King University draws a regionally diverse student body with 56% coming from outside Tennessee, reflecting the school's appeal beyond state borders. Women make up 60% of enrollment, likely drawn to the university's respected nursing program and health sciences offerings. The student body is predominantly white at 74%, with growing Hispanic and Black populations representing the changing demographics of Appalachia. With 42% receiving Pell Grants, King serves many first-generation college students from working-class families seeking affordable Christian higher education in the region.

Men: 39.7%
Women: 60.3%
White: 73.5%
Black: 6.6%
Hispanic: 7.9%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 43.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 41.9%

Location

King University sits in Bristol, Tennessee, a small city of about 27,000 people straddling the Tennessee-Virginia border. The campus lies roughly 100 miles northeast of Knoxville and 120 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia. Bristol calls itself the "Birthplace of Country Music" and hosts the famous Bristol Motor Speedway, giving the area a distinct Appalachian cultural identity. The university's 975 students experience life in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where outdoor recreation opportunities abound. With 43.67% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with East Tennessee's rolling hills and tight-knit communities. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare King University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Bristol, Tennessee 37620-2699

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $59,831
Median Earnings (5 years): $61,767
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.8%
Monthly Loan Payment: $241/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at King University?

King University accepts 60.80% of applicants, making it moderately selective. This Presbyterian institution in Bristol, Tennessee draws students primarily for its strong nursing and business programs. The school maintains small class sizes with a 12:1 student-faculty ratio.

How much does King University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $23,508 annually after aid, less than the sticker price of $34,800. The school provides institutional grants averaging $22,715 to 16.10% of students. Graduates typically leave with $22,750 in debt and monthly loan payments of $241.

What are the academics like at King University?

King University enrolls 975 students in a close-knit Christian environment known for nursing and business excellence. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in this Presbyterian institution. However, the retention rate of 59.86% suggests some students transfer or leave before completing their degrees.

What career outcomes can graduates expect from King University?

King University graduates earn a median salary of $59,831 ten years after graduation with a strong 95.4% employment rate. The school achieves a 46.40% six-year graduation rate. Alumni benefit from the university's reputation in healthcare and business fields throughout the region.

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

King University sits in Bristol, Tennessee, a small city setting that houses 443 students on campus. The student body is 60.31% female and 73.54% white, creating a traditional Southern Christian college atmosphere. Nearly half of students come from out of state, adding geographic diversity to this tight-knit community.

Does King University have strong athletics programs?

King University fields 20 varsity sports teams in NCAA Division II with 507 total athletes competing as the Tornado. The school invests heavily in athletics with $4,172,017 in athletic scholarships across all sports. This represents a significant portion of the student body participating in competitive sports at the Conference Carolinas level.