Welch College: $20,796 Tuition

$20,796Tuition

261Students

61%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,198Earnings

#9 in TennesseePrivate nonprofit4-yearOtherData: 2023-24Free Will Baptist

About Welch College

Welch College builds pastors, missionaries, and Christian leaders through its Free Will Baptist foundation. The school enrolls just 261 students in suburban Gallatin, creating an intimate learning environment where faith and academics intersect. Founded in 1942, Welch has remained true to its denominational roots while preparing graduates for ministry and Christian service careers.

Students pay an average net price of $19,983 annually, with families earning under $48,000 receiving significant breaks. Ten years after graduation, the median earnings reach $42,198. Graduates typically leave with $19,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $207. The employment rate hits 96.8%, reflecting strong job placement in ministry and related fields. Only 27% of students receive federal Pell grants, suggesting many families prioritize Christian education despite financial sacrifice.

The 9:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know every student personally. About 61% graduate within six years, and 65% return for their sophomore year. The Flames compete in five varsity sports with 56 total athletes, though the school offers no athletic scholarships. Nearly half the student body comes from outside Tennessee, creating a regional draw for families seeking conservative Christian higher education.

Academics & Faculty

Welch College focuses on Christian liberal arts education within the Free Will Baptist tradition. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. With only 261 students enrolled, classes stay small and discussion-based. The college emphasizes biblical studies and ministry preparation alongside traditional liberal arts subjects. Students receive significant academic support, though the 61% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges some face balancing rigorous coursework with financial pressures. The school's mission centers on developing Christian leaders through integrating faith with academic disciplines. Faculty serve as mentors who guide both spiritual and intellectual growth throughout the college experience.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 51.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 60.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 61.4%
Retention Rate: 65.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,198
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$36,668

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Campus Life

The Free Will Baptist campus sits 30 miles northeast of Nashville in suburban Gallatin, where you'll need both winter coats and summer clothes for Tennessee's four-season climate. With only 261 students total, this tiny college creates an intimate atmosphere where your 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name from day one. About 90% of students can live in the residence halls that house up to 235 people, making campus feel like a close-knit community.

Weekend life revolves around the strong Christian mission that defines Welch College. Students gather for chapel services, Bible studies, and faith-based activities that strengthen the school's denominational identity. The Flames compete in five varsity sports with 56 total athletes, though athletic scholarships aren't available. Many students head into Nashville on weekends to experience the music scene and urban amenities. The 65% retention rate suggests some students find the small, religious environment isn't the right fit, but those who stay often appreciate the personal attention and shared values that shape daily campus life.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 235 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1942

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

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

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–47°F
July Avg: 67°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 47.9"
Annual Snowfall: 1.2"

Student Demographics

This Free Will Baptist college draws students who value faith-based education in a close-knit setting. The student body splits roughly evenly between men and women, reflecting balanced program offerings at this small Christian institution. About half the students come from Tennessee, while the other half travel from across the country for Welch's denominational mission. The college serves a significant population of first-generation and lower-income students, with 27% receiving Pell Grants. Most students are white, typical of Free Will Baptist communities, though the campus includes growing Hispanic representation at 8%.

Men: 52.9%
Women: 47.1%
White: 75.9%
Black: 4.2%
Hispanic: 8.4%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 52.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 27.3%

Location

Gallatin sits 30 miles northeast of Nashville, putting students within reach of Tennessee's music capital and job market. The town of 44,000 offers a suburban feel with historic downtown charm along the Cumberland River. Students get small-town community benefits while staying connected to Nashville's internship and cultural opportunities. The 261-student enrollment means everyone knows each other on the compact campus. Middle Tennessee's rolling hills and temperate climate provide four distinct seasons. The area blends Southern hospitality with growing economic development as Nashville's influence expands outward. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Welch College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Gallatin, Tennessee 37066-8460

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,198
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,122
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $26,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 56.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the student-faculty ratio at Welch College?

Welch College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with just 261 total students. This Free Will Baptist college emphasizes close mentorship and personalized attention in its Christian academic environment.

How much does Welch College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $19,983 annually at Welch College. The college charges $20,796 for tuition regardless of residency status, making it affordable for both Tennessee residents and out-of-state students seeking Christian higher education.

What is the graduation rate at Welch College?

Welch College graduates 61.40% of students within six years and 60.48% within four years. The college retains 65% of first-year students, reflecting the challenges many small Christian colleges face in student persistence.

How much do Welch College graduates earn after graduation?

Welch College graduates earn a median salary of $42,198 ten years after graduation. Students typically leave with $19,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $207, reflecting the college's focus on ministry and service-oriented careers rather than high-paying fields.

Where is Welch College located and what is campus life like?

Welch College sits in Gallatin, Tennessee, a large suburb near Nashville. The campus houses 235 students and fields five varsity sports teams known as the Flames, creating a tight-knit Christian community atmosphere.

What denomination is Welch College affiliated with?

Welch College operates as a Free Will Baptist institution founded in 1942. The college serves 52.87% male and 47.13% female students, with 75.86% identifying as white, maintaining its traditional Christian college demographic profile.