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71.1%Acceptance
$38,824Tuition
3,021Students
69%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$55,541Earnings
#20 in TennesseePrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Churches of Christ

About Lipscomb University

Lipscomb University builds on its Churches of Christ foundation to offer strong pharmacy and business programs to 3,021 students in Nashville. The university has produced notable graduates like WNBA star Candace Parker and maintains its Christian identity while competing in NCAA Division I athletics. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio in the heart of Music City.

The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students pay an average net price of $25,610 after aid, less than the $55,278 sticker price. Graduates typically earn $55,541 ten years after graduation, while median debt sits at a reasonable $19,500. The 96.6% employment rate suggests strong job placement, though only 21.18% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a more affluent student body.

Women make up 61.37% of the student population, creating a female-heavy campus. The 68.70% six-year graduation rate falls below national averages for private universities, suggesting students may need extra support to reach the finish line. With 1,600 housing spots available and 85.92% of freshmen returning, campus life appears solid for those who stay engaged.

Academics & Faculty

Lipscomb's pharmacy and business programs anchor this Christian university's academic reputation. The College of Pharmacy consistently ranks among Tennessee's top programs, while the business school draws students seeking faith-integrated professional training. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide extensive mentoring. The 69% four-year graduation rate reflects this hands-on support system. Students also pursue strong programs in education, nursing, and music. Faculty integrate Christian worldview across disciplines, creating an environment where academic rigor meets spiritual development. Small class sizes mean professors serve as both instructors and advisors throughout students' college journey.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Full-Time Faculty
48.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
69.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
68.7%
Retention Rate
85.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,541
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $119,716
Educational Administration and Supervision. Doctoral $79,473
Accounting and Related Services. Master $70,456
Human Resources Management and Services. Master $66,077
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $63,005
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $58,221
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $55,512
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $54,697
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $53,080
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $52,107

View all 147 programs →

Campus Life

Nashville's music scene sits right outside your dorm room door, with downtown just 3.5 miles from Lipscomb's tree-lined campus. About 53% of students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 1,600 students. You'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and shorts for humid summers that hit the 80s. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and Chapel attendance twice weekly reinforces the university's Churches of Christ foundation.

Weekends often mean heading to Broadway's honky-tonks or catching a Titans game, though many students stay on campus for Division I Bisons athletics games. With 61% of students coming from Tennessee, there's a strong Southern hospitality vibe mixed with Nashville's creative energy. The pharmacy and business programs draw serious students who balance rigorous coursework with campus traditions like Singarama, an annual student musical competition. Students often form tight-knit communities through residence hall Bible studies and service projects that reflect the university's Christian mission.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
1,600 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1891

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 1 1 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–48°F
July Avg
67°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
53.2"
Annual Snowfall
4.7"

Student Demographics

Lipscomb draws heavily from Tennessee and surrounding states, with 61% coming from in-state. The student body leans female at 61%, reflecting strong programs in pharmacy, nursing, and education that traditionally attract more women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the university serves middle-class families alongside wealthier ones. The 68% white enrollment mirrors Nashville's demographics, while the Churches of Christ affiliation attracts students seeking faith-integrated education. With 3,021 students total, Lipscomb offers a tight-knit Christian community where students balance academic rigor with spiritual development.
Men
38.6%
Women
61.4%
White
68.0%
Black
7.0%
Hispanic
11.9%
Asian
3.3%
In-State Students
61.3%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.2%

Location

Lipscomb sits in Nashville, Tennessee's urban core with direct access to Music City's entertainment and internship opportunities. The 3,021-student campus benefits from Nashville's booming healthcare and business sectors, which align well with the university's strong professional programs. Nashville serves as both state capital and major metropolitan center, offering students everything from live music venues on Broadway to Fortune 500 company headquarters. The city's rapid growth has created abundant job prospects, contributing to Lipscomb's impressive 96.6% employment rate for graduates. With 61.27% of students coming from in-state, many appreciate staying close to Tennessee's mix of urban sophistication and Southern culture. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Lipscomb with similar schools in the region.
Address
Nashville, Tennessee 37204-3951

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,541
Median Earnings (5 years)
$60,793
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,800
Loan Repayment Rate
69.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Lipscomb University?

Lipscomb accepts 71.12% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1130-1320 on the SAT and average a 27 on the ACT, reflecting the university's commitment to enrolling academically prepared students for its Christian-centered programs.

How much does Lipscomb University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,610 annually, less than the $55,278 total cost of attendance. Only 21.18% of students receive federal Pell grants, while the typical graduate leaves with $19,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $207.

What academic programs is Lipscomb University known for?

Lipscomb operates with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its 3,021 students, allowing for personalized attention in signature programs. The university has built a strong reputation in pharmacy and business education, rooted in its Churches of Christ heritage and Christian mission.

What career outcomes do Lipscomb University graduates achieve?

Graduates earn a median salary of $55,541 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 96.6% employment rate. The university maintains a 68.70% six-year graduation rate, and alumni include notable figures like WNBA star Candace Parker.

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

The Nashville campus houses 1,600 students in on-campus facilities, creating a tight-knit community within Tennessee's music capital. With 61.37% female enrollment and 61.27% in-state students, the campus reflects both regional roots and the university's appeal to women seeking Christian higher education.

Does Lipscomb University compete in Division I athletics?

The Bisons field 13 varsity sports in NCAA Division I as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. With 265 total athletes receiving $7,019,692 in athletic scholarships, Lipscomb balances competitive athletics with its academic mission at this 130-year-old institution.