Acceptance Rate
68%
Avg. SAT
1380
75th percentile
“A faith-driven campus in Nashville where community and purpose shape every step of the journey.”
Nashville, TN
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Lipscomb University stands as a private institution with deep roots in the Christian tradition, founded in 1891 by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding. Their vision was to create a place where faith and learning intertwine, and that mission still pulses through the campus today. With a student body of just over 3,400 undergraduates, Lipscomb offers a close-knit environment where personal growth and spiritual exploration are just as valued as academic achievement. You'll find a campus that feels like a small town within a big city, with green spaces and modern buildings set against the backdrop of Music City’s vibrant energy.
The university draws students who seek meaning beyond the classroom—those who are curious, community-minded, and often grounded in faith or open to exploring it. If you're someone who thrives on building connections and wants a college experience that emphasizes service and values, Lipscomb could feel like home. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a strictly secular environment or a sprawling, impersonal campus with endless anonymity, you might find the university’s tight-knit, faith-focused atmosphere a bit confining.
Nashville itself is a massive draw, offering a blend of creativity and opportunity with its legendary music scene, thriving food culture, and growing tech and healthcare industries. Yet, living in a bustling city comes with a higher cost of living, and traffic can test your patience. For students, the city is both a playground and a resource, but balancing its distractions with Lipscomb’s intentional, purpose-driven culture takes some effort.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Lipscomb University shines in programs that blend practical skills with a sense of mission, particularly in fields like nursing, business, and education. The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is a standout, known for preparing students for real-world impact in healthcare, while the business school emphasizes ethical leadership, often weaving faith-based perspectives into coursework. You’ll also find a growing focus on entertainment and arts management, tapping into Nashville’s creative heartbeat with hands-on learning opportunities.
Classroom experiences here lean toward personal engagement, with professors who often know your name and encourage dialogue about both academics and life’s bigger questions. Many intro courses are small enough for discussion, though some popular programs like nursing can feel competitive when it comes to clinical placements or advising. Research opportunities exist, especially in health sciences, but Lipscomb isn’t a research heavyweight—its strength lies in teaching and preparing you for careers with purpose. If you’re after a high-powered research institution or a wide array of niche majors, you might find the academic scope here somewhat limited.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
3,336 undergrad • 1,681 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
71%
Black / African American
9%
Hispanic / Latino
8%
Asian
3%
Other / Multi-racial
9%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Nashville, TN
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Lipscomb is warm and intentional, shaped by a shared sense of faith and community that shows up in everything from chapel services to student-led service projects. You can expect a typical week to include classes, club meetings, and casual hangouts on the Bison Square, the central green space where students gather. Traditions like Singarama, an annual student-produced musical competition, bring energy and creativity to campus, fostering a sense of family among participants and spectators. The social scene is friendly but low-key—there’s no heavy party culture here, as the university emphasizes a substance-free environment rooted in its Christian values.
Most students live on campus, especially in their first couple of years, in residence halls that prioritize community with shared spaces and regular events. Nashville’s weather swings from humid summers to chilly winters, which can catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, and the city’s fast pace sometimes contrasts with the slower, reflective vibe on campus. While the surrounding area offers endless entertainment, from honky-tonks on Broadway to trendy East Nashville spots, budgeting for off-campus outings can be a challenge given the area’s cost of living.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Atlantic Sun Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$21,805
$30K – $48K
$21,563
$48K – $75K
$22,993
$75K – $110K
$25,928
$110K+
$29,064
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
84%
4 Years Graduation Rate
62%
6 Years Graduation Rate
69%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$55,541
84% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Lipscomb University and return in the fall. 62% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 69% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
62%
4-6 years
7%
Non-grad
31%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$34,304
Acceptance
68%
Undergrads
3,336
4-Year Grad Rate
62%
Endowment
$117M
Nashville, TN 37204-3951
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