CLT Colleges in

Tennessee

Aquinas College, a private Catholic institution in Nashville, Tennessee, was founded in 1961 by the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia. Initially established as Aquinas Junior College, it became a four-year college in 1994 and now offers undergraduate and graduate programs focused primarily on teacher preparation. The college is known for its liberal arts foundation and strong commitment to Catholic education. It is ranked 14th in Best Regional Colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report (2015). Current enrollment is 48 undergraduates and 17 graduate students. Sister Cecilia Anne Wanner, O.P., serves as president.

Belmont University, founded in 1890 in Nashville, Tennessee, is a private Christian institution offering over 180 academic programs. Initially established as Belmont Women's College, it became Belmont University in 1991. With nearly 9,000 students, Belmont is known for its strong music and entertainment programs, particularly through the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business. The campus features advanced facilities like recording studios and the Curb Event Center. Belmont emphasizes service, leadership, and community, offering over 190 student organizations. The university’s vibrant campus life and academic rigor, with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, empower students to pursue lives of purpose and impact.

Bryan College, a regionally accredited liberal arts college in Dayton, Tennessee, combines academic excellence and biblical principles. It was founded in 1930 and is dedicated to Gospel-based transformation and preparing students for global impact. Bryan maintains a small on-campus student-to-faculty ratio, fostering personalized learning experiences, with over 50 areas of study for degrees at various levels, including associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. The college, which is affiliated with various educational bodies, upholds Christian values, occasionally facing controversies over its belief statements, but remaining committed to its founding ideals. The university has athletic programs and various student publications, as well as notable alumni achievements.

Carson-Newman University, founded in 1851, is a private Christian university in Jefferson City, Tennessee, affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. With an enrollment of about 2,700 students, it offers 50+ majors, 13 graduate degrees, and study-abroad opportunities across six continents. The university maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, emphasizing faith-based education and service. Recognized nationally for academic excellence and affordability, it ranks #359 among National Universities (2025). Its 100-acre campus is near the Great Smoky Mountains and Knoxville, providing students with unique academic and recreational opportunities. Over 96% of students receive financial aid.

Freed–Hardeman University (FHU) is a private Christian university in Henderson, Tennessee, affiliated with the Churches of Christ. Established in 1869, FHU offers 43 majors across five colleges, maintaining a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. With an enrollment of 2,325, the university emphasizes faith, academic excellence, and community. FHU competes in NAIA athletics with 15 varsity sports. The campus includes historic and modern facilities, with daily chapel and co-ed social clubs shaping student life. The university offers study abroad programs in Europe, Israel, and beyond.

Johnson University, founded on Christian principles, began as an extension of the Correspondence Bible College in 1893. Johnson Bible College was renamed Johnson University in 2011 after being renamed Johnson Bible College in 1909. The institution, led by visionary figures, overcame adversity, including a devastating fire in 1904. Its 7 schools, which are accredited to offer a variety of degrees, offer over 70 programs. It has campuses in Tennessee and Florida, as well as historic facilities such as the White House and a strong athletic presence in the NAIA as the Royals. Influential ministers and public figures such as Oren E. Long and Fred Craddock are among the notable alumni.

King University, which began as King College in 1867, combines a Presbyterian faith-based academic setting with a rigorous liberal arts education. It emphasizes real-world research opportunities and faith-culture exploration while offering diverse undergraduate degrees such as Nursing, Security and Intelligence Studies, and Digital Media Art & Design alongside traditional majors. The university offers a variety of on-campus and online learning programs, including a dual Engineering degree. Located on 135 acres in Bristol, Tennessee, it champions NCAA Division II sports and hosts vibrant student life activities, all while nurturing spiritual growth through chapel services and the King Institute for Faith and Culture.

Lee University in Tennessee grew from a small Bible institute to a comprehensive university with over 5,000 students. SACS-accredited, it offers bachelor's and master's degrees in 6 colleges. Cleveland's campus includes academic, residential, and recreational facilities. Academics stress co-curricular activities like chapel attendance and service hours. The Flames compete in NCAA Division II athletics. Lee emphasizes its Christian foundation but has faced criticism for its stance on homosexual relationships. Lee University's facilities have seen significant growth, expansion, and development over time.

Lipscomb University, founded in 1891 in Nashville, Tennessee, is a private Christian liberal arts institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ. It offers over 200 undergraduate majors across colleges like Business, Engineering, and Pharmacy, maintaining a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With 3,024 undergraduate and 1,651 graduate students (Fall 2024), it has an endowment of $70.4 million. Accredited by SACSCOC, Lipscomb has a 98% job placement rate and competes in NCAA Division I athletics.

Maryville College, founded in 1819 in Maryville, Tennessee, is a nationally ranked liberal arts institution and one of the oldest colleges in the U.S. It offers 60+ majors, seven pre-professional programs, and career preparation from day one. Known for its rigorous academics, students complete a senior thesis and a comprehensive exam. Maryville was an early leader in racial integration and supported African American education during segregation. Its 60-acre campus includes historic buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With 10,000+ alumni, the college remains committed to developing leaders who “do good on the largest possible scale.”

Milligan University, located in Johnson City, Tennessee, promotes Christ-centered liberal arts education on its 355-acre campus, which offers more than 100 majors and minors. It was founded in 1866 and prioritizes scholarship, community, and faith, attracting students from all over the world. With a focus on servant leadership, the institution has a high post-graduation employment rate. It is well-known for its quality and value, ranking among the top regional universities and emphasizing academic excellence in conjunction with Christian principles. It also has a performing arts center and a strong athletic program that competes in 29 varsity sports in the NAIA Appalachian Athletic Conference.

Milligan University, a private Christian institution in Milligan College, Tennessee, was founded in 1866 as the Buffalo Male and Female Institute and was known as Milligan College until 2020. With over 1,200 students from 39 states and 42 nations, it offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Historically linked to the Restoration Movement, Milligan emphasizes faith-based education, service, and academic excellence. It was the only U.S. college to fully transition to a naval training facility during World War II. Recognized for its quality, Milligan consistently ranks among top Southern regional universities. Its Buffaloes athletic teams compete in the NAIA’s Appalachian Athletic Conference.

New College Franklin (NCF), a four-year Christian liberal arts college in Franklin, Tennessee, was founded in 2009 with a mission to disciple students through the liberal arts for wisdom, virtue, and service. Rooted in a theological foundation, NCF blends the Oxford-Cambridge tutorial model with the Great Books tradition and a focus on the classical Quadrivium. The college fosters a close-knit, mentoring community where students engage deeply with truth, beauty, and goodness. Accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) since 2021, NCF continues to grow, emphasizing rigorous academics and discipleship in pursuit of God’s truth.

Crown College, founded in 1991 by Clarence Sexton, is an independent Baptist Bible college in Powell, Tennessee. The college offers a range of academic programs, including a Bachelor of Biblical Studies with various concentrations, graduate degrees through Crown Seminary, and online education. It is nationally accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The college's facilities include the Christian Heritage Center, Crown Music Conservatory, and Crown Creation Science Center. Student life includes sports, housing at Temple Baptist Church, and affiliations with summer camps. Crown Christian Publications, based at the college, publishes books focused on Christian living. The campus spans 30 acres, with additional facilities at the North Campus, surrounded by natural beauty.

Union University, a private Baptist institution formed by the merger of several schools, provides a wide range of programs on three campuses in Tennessee. SACS-accredited, it focuses on liberal arts education and offers associate to doctoral degrees. Kiplinger's, Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report have all recognized it for academic excellence and affordability among its 2,930 students. News. The campus in Jackson spans 290 acres and houses a variety of facilities such as sports arenas, dorms, and academic halls. The Bulldogs of the university compete in NCAA Division II sports. National championships have been won in basketball, volleyball, soccer, and softball. The campus also supports a vibrant Greek system and places a premium on community involvement.

Welch College, a private Free Will Baptist institution in Gallatin, Tennessee, was founded in 1942 as Free Will Baptist Bible College. It offers over 40 majors, including theology, business, nursing, and education, emphasizing leadership and Christian service. The college grants bachelor’s, associate, and master’s degrees, including a Master of Divinity. Originally in Nashville, it moved to a new Gallatin campus in 2017. Welch competes in the NCCAA with five varsity teams. It was renamed in 2012 after John L. Welch, a key figure in Free Will Baptist history. With over 400 students annually, Welch maintains a strong Christian foundation and academic excellence while occasionally facing public controversy.