A growing number of U.S. colleges in Tennessee now recognize the Classic Learning Test (CLT) for undergraduate admissions, making it a compelling option alongside conventional standardized exams. A relatively recent addition to college admissions testing, the CLT distinguishes itself through its focus on text-based analysis.
As of 2025, over 300 schools accept the CLT, with more universities nationwide adopting this exam each year. If you are considering applying to faith-based liberal arts institutions, many of these schools now accept the exam as part of their application process. For students seeking broader options, the number of colleges that consider CLT scores has rapidly expanded.
Below is a comprehensive list of colleges in Tennessee currently accepting the CLT, including details on average accepted scores, tuition rates, and campus locations. In this guide, you’ll find everything you’ll need to compare your college options and begin your test preparation confidently.
The CLT is a college entrance exam grounded in the values and principles of a traditional liberal arts education. Launched in 2015, the exam is unique for its focus on history, literature, philosophy, and mathematical logic, drawing heavily upon the Western intellectual tradition. The test differs from other college admissions exams in that it requires students to analyze longer texts written by canonical authors, philosophers, and scholars. If you take the CLT, you’re likely to encounter passages from works by Aristotle, Plato, Frederick Douglass, Jane Austen, and other great writers of the past. Students can take this exam in their junior or senior year instead of the more common SAT or ACT, and it is considered as rigorous in measuring the reading, grammar, and mathematical skills needed for undergraduate studies. Despite the exam’s focus on traditional content, the CLT adopts a modern approach to test-taking by being primarily administered online.
The test also diverges from other exams by asking students to go beyond basic comprehension and truly connect with the works presented. Jeremy Tate, the instructor and CEO of the CLT, found that having students engage directly with enriching literature enabled them to derive deeper meaning from the material. As a teacher, he observed that contemporary education pushes students to focus on achieving high scores on assignments and tests without fully engaging with the content taught. He describes the exam’s method as follows:
“The work we are doing puts the very best texts in front of students…Give them something that deserves their attention, and they will respond.”
The test emphasizes philosophical inquiry, prompting students to consider the relevance of each passage to everyday life.
In addition to assessing core academic competencies, the CLT requires students to apply higher-order thinking and evaluative skills to each question. The test’s emphasis on logical inference, reasoning, and reflective judgment helps students improve their analytical proficiency and enhances the test-taking experience. Classic texts can be dense and difficult to parse, but the skills gained through rigorous, argumentative analysis are both crucial and timeless.
Why take the CLT?
The CLT is a fantastic option for students who excel at complex textual analysis and classical approaches to learning. For students who love classic literature and writing, the CLT offers an enriching examination that aligns with their strengths and interests. While success on the ACT and the SAT relies more on skills gained through standard instruction, the CLT takes test-taking a step further by emphasizing critical and logical thinking, even within the quantitative section.
For students from non-traditional educational backgrounds, such as those who are homeschooled or attend faith-based high schools, the CLT assessment may offer an advantage. The test is designed specifically for those who have been taught using more holistic, text-based curricula than those found in conventional schooling.
The exam also offers unmatched flexibility: at about two hours, the CLT is much shorter than the ACT (with all sections). The test is also offered more frequently throughout the year than other exams and can be taken either at home or in a proctored setting. Remote proctoring offers a convenient, accessible option not available for the SAT or ACT.
The most important factor to consider, however, is school choice, as the number of institutions that accept the CLT at this time is limited. However, the CLT offers a great alternative for those set on applying to specialized schools that also place a strong emphasis on traditional learning.
Which colleges accept the CLT?
The CLT primarily opens up opportunities at smaller colleges with curricula steeped in cultural and historical analysis. Students who are committed to attending a private, religious institution, such as Liberty University, Texas Christian University, or Wheaton College, should strongly consider taking the CLT to demonstrate the skills valued by these schools.
In 2024, thirty Christian colleges in the U.S. experienced significant enrollment growth, bucking the national trend of declining undergraduate matriculation rates following the COVID-19 pandemic. As interest in faith-based learning grows, the importance and relevance of the CLT in college admissions continues to rise.
While most schools that accept the CLT fill a particular niche, taking the exam does not preclude admission at a larger research institution, such as the University of Florida. U.S. service academies that train future military officers will begin accepting the CLT in 2027, further expanding options for those who choose to take it. While the majority of schools that accept the exam are located in the U.S., a growing number of international schools are now entering partnerships with the CLT.
List of CLT colleges
Familiarizing yourself with the colleges that accept the CLT can help you decide if the exam is right for you and assess your options when applying to schools. Each listing features key information, including average CLT scores, school location, annual tuition, and total cost of attendance. Brief descriptions and direct homepage links are included, making it easy to learn more about each university’s distinctive programs, academic opportunities, and admissions requirements.
Scroll down to discover the schools that meet your criteria and align with your academic goals:
Aquinas College, TN cost and key information
Aquinas College, TN acceptance rate is 40%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Aquinas College, TN is 670, and the Math score is 640.The average SAT composite score is 1310.The average ACT composite score is 28.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 65, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 27.The average CLT composite score is 93.The tuition fee is $29,350.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
Belmont University acceptance rate is 96%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Belmont University is 690, and the Math score is 650.The average SAT composite score is 1340.The average ACT composite score is 30.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 67, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 28.The average CLT composite score is 96.The tuition fee is $43,750 and the total cost is $59,280.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
Bryan College acceptance rate is 54.3%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Bryan College is 570, and the Math score is 530.The average SAT composite score is 550.The average ACT composite score is 23.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 50, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 19.The average CLT composite score is 72.The tuition fee is $20,500 and the total cost is $29,850.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
Carson Newman University acceptance rate is 68%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Carson Newman University is 580, and the Math score is 580.The average SAT composite score is 1160.The average ACT composite score is 26.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 51, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 23.The average CLT composite score is 79.The tuition fee is $19,350 and the total cost is $19,350.Learn more on the tuition page.
Bdf cnc2005 at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons / "Burke-Tarr from Softball Stadium" / Public domain
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 cost and key information
Freed Hardeman University acceptance rate is 91%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Freed Hardeman University is 610, and the Math score is 630.The average SAT composite score is 1240.The average ACT composite score is 26.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 56, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 27.The average CLT composite score is 87.The tuition fee is $26,260 and the total cost is $35,230.Learn more on the tuition page.
Skye Marthaler / Wikimedia Commons / "National Teacher's Normal and Business College Administration Building" / CC BY-SA 3.0
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 cost and key information
Johnson University acceptance rate is 98%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Johnson University is 560, and the Math score is 550.The average SAT composite score is 555.The average ACT composite score is 22.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 47, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 20.The average CLT composite score is 73.The tuition fee is $19,200 and the total cost is $42,156.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
King University acceptance rate is 58%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for King University is 540, and the Math score is 510.The average SAT composite score is 525.The average ACT composite score is 20.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 45, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 17.The average CLT composite score is 71.The tuition fee is $34,800 and the total cost is $43,000.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
Lee University acceptance rate is 83.1%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Lee University is 580, and the Math score is 540.The average SAT composite score is 560.The average ACT composite score is 25.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 51, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 20.The average CLT composite score is 74.The tuition fee is $23,790 and the total cost is $37,300.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
Lipscomb University acceptance rate is 67%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Lipscomb University is 680, and the Math score is 670.The average SAT composite score is 1320.The average ACT composite score is 29.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 66, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 30.The average CLT composite score is 94.The tuition fee is $40,572 and the total cost is $55,996.Learn more on the tuition page.
Larry D. Moore / Wikimedia Commons / "Lipscomb University Austin Center 2021" / CC BY 4.0
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.
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Maryville College cost and key information
Maryville College acceptance rate is 66%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Maryville College is 590, and the Math score is 598.The average SAT composite score is 1115.The average ACT composite score is 28.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 53, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 24.The average CLT composite score is 73.The tuition fee is $39,712 and the total cost is $54,707.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 College cost and key information
Milligan College acceptance rate is 83.4%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Milligan College is 598, and the Math score is 600.The average SAT composite score is 599.The average ACT composite score is 25.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 54, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 24.The average CLT composite score is 83.The tuition fee is $39,150 and the total cost is $49,400.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
Milligan University acceptance rate is 70%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Milligan University is 640, and the Math score is 650.The average SAT composite score is 1200.The average ACT composite score is 27.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 60, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 28.The average CLT composite score is 83.The tuition fee is $41,100 and the total cost is $55,566.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
The tuition fee is $14,628.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
Union University acceptance rate is 60%. The average SAT Reading and Writing score for Union University is 598, and the Math score is 580.The average SAT composite score is 589.The average ACT composite score is 26.The average CLT Verbal Reasoning score is 55, and the Quantitative Reasoning score is 23.The average CLT composite score is 81.The tuition fee is $39,990 and the total cost is $54,670.Learn more on the tuition page.
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 cost and key information
Welch College acceptance rate is 100%. The average SAT composite score is 1300.The average CLT composite score is 92.The tuition fee is $10,700 and the total cost is $35,912.Learn more on the tuition page.
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.
How is the CLT scored?
CLT scoring is straightforward: the test contains 120 multiple-choice questions, each worth one point. Each individual section of the exam contributes up to 40 points toward your overall score. The average CLT score falls between 75 and 80, and a score above 90 is considered competitive.
There are three main parts of the exam, not including an optional essay, which cover foundational skills for undergraduate admission:
Verbal Reasoning (40 questions)
Grammar and Writing (40 questions)
Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions)
Each section is further divided into content domains. For Verbal Reasoning, the two main subsections are Analysis and Comprehension, which include questions on interpreting and comparing passages. For Grammar/Writing, the corresponding sections require students to answer questions on agreement, punctuation, sentence structure, style, and word choice. Algebra, Geometry, and Mathematical Reasoning make up the mathematical content covered in the Quantitative Reasoning section.
How do CLT scores compare to the SAT and ACT?
The official CLT concordance table helps test-takers understand how CLT scores translate to scores on the ACT and SAT, the two exams most frequently used for college admission decisions. For example, a score of 70 on the CLT corresponds to a 1080 on the SAT or a 21 on the ACT, both of which fall within the 60th–70th percentile on each test.
The table below lists CLT scores in intervals of 20 alongside corresponding ranges of SAT and ACT scores:
CLT interval
SAT range
ACT range
0 – 19
510 – 650
9 – 11
20 – 39
660 – 820
11 – 14
40 – 59
830 – 1000
15 – 19
60 – 79
1000 – 1160
19 – 24
80 – 99
1170 – 1380
24 – 30
100 – 120
1390 – 1600
31 – 36
Because the ACT and SAT are more widely used for college admissions, students can use the table above to gauge how their CLT scores compare with those of a larger group. If you’re deciding between exams for your college applications, start by taking ACT, SAT, and CLT practice tests and comparing your scores. You might find that the CLT’s structure and content are a better fit, even if the SAT and ACT are more widely accepted.
Do CLT colleges also accept the SAT and ACT?
All colleges that recognize the CLT also take SAT or ACT scores. The SAT and ACT remain the most widely used undergraduate admissions exams, focusing primarily on technical math, grammar, and reading knowledge. The choice of which test or tests to take depends heavily on your assessment preferences and the variety of schools you’re applying to. If you’ve narrowed your list down to schools that partner with the CLT, then you will not need to take an additional exam.
How do I register for the CLT?
To register for the CLT exam, begin by creating an online account through the official CLT website. Once your account is set up, you can register for the CLT by selecting the appropriate exam. Be sure to choose carefully, as the CLT3-8 test and CLT10 exam are designed for younger students. The online registration platform allows you to pick your preferred CLT test date, decide whether to take the exam in-person or remotely, and securely pay your exam fee to finalize your registration.
For the best results on the CLT exam, plan to dedicate at least 3 – 4 months to focused preparation; consistent studying and practice will maximize your potential for achieving a top score.
Conclusion
The CLT caters to college applicants who value rigorous academics and classical learning; it goes beyond rote memorization, focusing on interpretive and analytical skills over other tests. Some of the leading religious and liberal arts institutions in the U.S. accept the CLT exam as part of their admissions process. The schools listed above in Tennessee offer excellent choices for students seeking a college community rooted in traditional learning and values. With the exam growing in popularity and the scope of schools accepting CLT scores expanding, students who take the test now have more options than ever.
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