Is Chowan University a Christian college?

Yes. Chowan University is a Christian college.

What is Chowan University’s Compass Score?

64 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Christian college

#8 Lowest net price for middle-income families in America

Chowan University

Murfreesboro, NC · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Baptist

Chowan University is a private university in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, that describes itself as grounded in Christian faith. Campus Ministry holds Wednesday Night Worship and Sunday Night Services in the Chowan Chapel, runs Bible studies in residence halls, and organizes local and international mission trips. The 2026-27 catalog requires one Bible course (REL 101) of all bachelor's students, and a Christian Studies B.A. is offered.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

“Wednesday Night Worship & Sunday Night Services, held in the Chowan Chapel, provide a group atmosphere where students can come to worship and be equipped to become disciples of Jesus Christ and live out the Great Commission.”
Source: catalog.chowan.edu
“Campus Worship calls the Chowan community together for authentic Christian fellowship that balances biblical relevance and reverence.”
Source: catalog.chowan.edu
“Upperclassmen who live and serve in freshmen residence halls and in Whites Crossing to help bring a presence of Christ to the daily lives of Chowan students.”
Source: chowan.edu

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Wednesday Night Worship and Sunday Night Services meet in Chowan Chapel, and campus worship gathers the community together.

Source: catalog.chowan.edu

Where do I find community?

Upperclassmen live and serve in freshman residence halls, and small group atmospheres help students grow as disciples.

Source: chowan.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Local outreach gives students chances to help with poverty alleviation and disaster relief, and international mission trips have taken students to places such as Cuba and South Africa.

Source: chowan.edu

Rankings

Where this college places on our top lists. Lists are worked out from official data and our faith research; places in the top quarter of each list are shown. See every list

In America

Academic Excellence

C+

46 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score30%
First-year retention 20% of score71%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreNot reported
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score15 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$6,985

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed.

Source: College Scorecard (College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026))

Faith scorecard

Each area’s grade and what we found. Tap an area to see the findings and their sources.

Worship and chapel

65 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (One weekday service a week: Wednesday Night Worship.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | 2026-2027 Academic Catalogcatalog.chowan.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=2451 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesday Night Worship & Sunday Night Services, held in the Chowan Chapel, provide a group atmosphere where students can come to worship and be equipped to become disciples of Jesus Christ and live out the Great Commission.”
  Wednesday Night Worship and Sunday Night Services are held weekly in the Chowan Chapel.
Not enough information:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Wednesday Night Worship and Sunday Night Services are listed as regular services.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | 2026-2027 Academic Catalogcatalog.chowan.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=2451 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesday Night Worship & Sunday Night Services, held in the Chowan Chapel, provide a group atmosphere where students can come to worship and be equipped to become disciples of Jesus Christ and live out the Great Commission.”
  Wednesday Night Worship and Sunday Night Services are held weekly in the Chowan Chapel.
Not enough information:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (The directory lists a faculty member, Jason Fowler, as Interim Campus Minister.)
Sources (1)
1. Directory | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/directory · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Jason Fowler Assistant Professor of Graphic Design; Interim Campus Minister”
  Jason Fowler is listed as interim campus minister.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | 2026-2027 Academic Catalogcatalog.chowan.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=2451 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesday Night Worship & Sunday Night Services, held in the Chowan Chapel, provide a group atmosphere where students can come to worship and be equipped to become disciples of Jesus Christ and live out the Great Commission.”
  Wednesday Night Worship and Sunday Night Services are held weekly in the Chowan Chapel.
Not enough information:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayerNot enough information: no verified chapel or worship times are recorded.

N/A

Bible and theology

Not enough information · 2 of 6 found

Partly:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students1 course (REL 101 Cultures and Contexts of the Bible is the only Bible or religion course in the bachelor's general education core in the 2026-27 catalog. Christian Studies majors take more.)
Sources (1)
1. Requirements for Academic Programs | 2026-2027 Academic Catalogcatalog.chowan.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=2373 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “REL 101 - Cultures and Contexts of the Bible Credits: 4 hours”
  REL 101 Cultures and Contexts of the Bible is required in the bachelor's general education core.
Not enough information:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Christian Studies, B.A.)
Sources (1)
1. Christian studies | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/program/religion · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The degree prepares students for careers in ministry and other religious service vocations.”
  A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies is offered, preparing students for ministry careers.
Not enough information:
A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Christian community

70 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

Partly:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (1 named staff member (the interim campus minister).)
Sources (1)
1. Directory | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/directory · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Jason Fowler Assistant Professor of Graphic Design; Interim Campus Minister”
  Jason Fowler is listed as interim campus minister.
Partly:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (A campus-wide worship service opens each academic year.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Life | 2026-2027 Academic Catalogcatalog.chowan.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=2332 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each new academic year begins with a campus-wide worship service to dedicate the year to the Christian values of the university.”
  Each academic year opens with a campus-wide worship service.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Community Hall Bible Studies, Instruments of Praise (a student-led gospel choir grounded in Bible study) and Chowan Christian Athletes.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Provide a small group atmosphere to equip students to become disciples of Jesus Christ and live out the Great Commission.”
  Community Hall Bible Studies provide small groups in the residence halls.
  “A ministry to provide a peer chaplain on each team.”
  Chowan Christian Athletes provides a peer chaplain on each team.
  “Chowan’s popular gospel choir, is a student-led ministry grounded on Bible study, prayer, and spreading God’s word through song.”
  Instruments of Praise is a student-led gospel choir grounded in Bible study.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In some halls (Community Hall Bible Studies and ministry chaplains serve in the freshman residence halls and Whites Crossing. This is recorded as some halls.)
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Provide a small group atmosphere to equip students to become disciples of Jesus Christ and live out the Great Commission.”
  Community Hall Bible Studies provide small groups in the residence halls.
  “Upperclassmen who live and serve in freshmen residence halls and in Whites Crossing to help bring a presence of Christ to the daily lives of Chowan students.”
  Ministry chaplains serve in the freshman residence halls and Whites Crossing.
Yes:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Campus Ministry Team can help students choose from dozens of churches in the area.”
  Campus Ministry helps students choose a local church.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Campus Ministry at Chowan University is a pastoral mission, which covenants to honor God and edify the University community while sharing the light and truth of God’s salvation by:”
  Campus Ministry describes itself as a pastoral mission to honor God and share God's salvation.

Missions and service

77 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “LOCAL OUTREACH gives students a chance to demonstrate kindness and concern for people in our community through initiatives like poverty alleviation and disaster relief.”
  Campus Ministry runs local outreach and service initiatives.
Not enough information:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Missions trips offered to studentsSome
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIPS take students, staff, and faculty to places like Cuba and South Africa for hands-on service projects like construction or children’s ministry.”
  International mission trips take students to Cuba and South Africa for service projects.
Not enough information:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “INTERNATIONAL MISSION TRIPS take students, staff, and faculty to places like Cuba and South Africa for hands-on service projects like construction or children’s ministry.”
  International mission trips take students to Cuba and South Africa for service projects.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Campus Ministry at Chowan University is a pastoral mission, which covenants to honor God and edify the University community while sharing the light and truth of God’s salvation by:”
  Campus Ministry describes itself as a pastoral mission to honor God and share God's salvation.

Strengths

Wednesday Night Worship and Sunday Night Services are listed as regular services in the Chowan Chapel.
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | 2026-2027 Academic Catalogcatalog.chowan.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=2451 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Wednesday Night Worship & Sunday Night Services, held in the Chowan Chapel, provide a group atmosphere where students can come to worship and be equipped to become disciples of Jesus Christ and live out the Great Commission.”
  Wednesday Night Worship and Sunday Night Services are held weekly in the Chowan Chapel.
Campus Ministry lists Bible studies in the residence halls, a student-led gospel choir and a peer chaplain program for athletic teams.
Sources (1)
1. Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Provide a small group atmosphere to equip students to become disciples of Jesus Christ and live out the Great Commission.”
  Community Hall Bible Studies provide small groups in the residence halls.
  “A ministry to provide a peer chaplain on each team.”
  Chowan Christian Athletes provides a peer chaplain on each team.
  “Chowan’s popular gospel choir, is a student-led ministry grounded on Bible study, prayer, and spreading God’s word through song.”
  Instruments of Praise is a student-led gospel choir grounded in Bible study.
A Christian Studies B.A. is offered, preparing students for ministry careers.
Sources (1)
1. Christian studies | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/program/religion · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The degree prepares students for careers in ministry and other religious service vocations.”
  A Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies is offered, preparing students for ministry careers.

Concerns

The bachelor's general education core requires one Bible course; many Christian colleges require more.
Sources (1)
1. Requirements for Academic Programs | 2026-2027 Academic Catalogcatalog.chowan.edu/content.php?catoid=17&navoid=2373 · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “REL 101 - Cultures and Contexts of the Bible Credits: 4 hours”
  REL 101 Cultures and Contexts of the Bible is required in the bachelor's general education core.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry

Address: One University Place, Murfreesboro, NC 27855
Distance from campus: 0.2 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)

View on map ↗

Source: chowan.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026, chowan.edu, verified Oct. 20, 2026

Campus ministry

Campus Ministry

Sources (1)

Campus Ministry | Chowan Universitychowan.edu/campus-life/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Campus Ministry at Chowan University is a pastoral mission, which covenants to honor God and edify the University community while sharing the light and truth of God’s salvation by:”
Campus Ministry describes itself as a pastoral mission to honor God and share God's salvation.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 3 location not published

Service 2

International mission tripsOff campus
Hands-on service projects in places such as Cuba and South Africa.
chowan.edu
Local outreach
Outreach to people in the community, such as poverty alleviation and disaster relief.
chowan.edu

Faith formation 2

Community Hall Bible StudiesOn campus
Small group Bible studies in the residence halls to equip students as disciples.
chowan.edu
Chowan Christian Athletes (Team 4:13)
Peer chaplains on each athletic team.
chowan.edu

Clubs and groups 1

Instruments of Praise
A student-led gospel choir grounded in Bible study, prayer and song.
chowan.edu

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the church. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

What families pay, by income

Average yearly price after grants and scholarships, for students who receive federal aid.

Average net price by family income
Family income	Price after aid
Up to $30,000	$13,726
$30,001–$48,000	$10,950
$48,001–$75,000	$14,549
$75,001–$110,000	$14,565
Over $110,000	$19,713

Full cost of attendance before aid: $39,027 a year.

Use the college’s net price calculator for your own estimate.

Cost and value

Federal data, shown separately. Cost, debt, and earnings are never part of any grade.

Value and outcomes
Undergraduate students Fall enrollment (IPEDS)	638
Total students	708
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$14,086
Cost of attendance (per year)	$39,027
Median federal debt at graduation	$29,491
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	30%
First-year retention	71%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$38,412
Admission rate	69%
Students receiving Pell grants	57%

Value index: 35 / 100 (how it’s computed)

Sources: College Scorecard · IPEDS College Navigator · Net price calculator
College Scorecard, most recent cohorts (data release 06/10/2026); IPEDS 2024-25 directory and institutional characteristics; fall 2023 enrollment.

Earnings by major

Median earnings of bachelor’s graduates a few years after finishing, by major (College Scorecard).

Median earnings by major
Major	Median earnings
Business administration	$54,889
Criminal justice	$44,858
Social sciences	$44,793
Kinesiology and exercise science	$44,711
Interdisciplinary studies	$39,224
General studies	$36,682
Psychology	$33,143

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Biology, Business (general), Communication studies, Design, English, Fine arts, Graphic communications, History, Leisure and Recreational Activities, Liberal arts, Mathematics, Music, Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Facilities Management, Religious studies, Secondary education, Teacher education.

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Rural
Part-time undergraduates	4%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	5%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$10,734
Sports	NCAA Division II · Conference Carolinas
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	15 to 1

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard), except school colors. None of this changes the faith grades.

Christian churches nearby

CampusChristian centerOpen a street map ›

No Christian churches are mapped in OpenStreetMap within 3 miles. The map may be incomplete; check a local church directory.

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the church.

Questions families ask

Is Chowan University a Christian college?: Yes. Chowan University is a Christian college.
What is Chowan University’s Compass Score?: 64 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

Ask the school

Something you want to know that isn’t on this page? Ask it here. We send it to the school, and their answer appears on this page. Your name is never shared.

Reviews

Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

No reviews yet.

Reach out

Contact details for Jason Fowler (Interim Campus Minister (Assistant Professor of Graphic Design)) and 1 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

We keep campus ministers’ emails behind sign-in to protect them from spam.

My rating and notes

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 198303
Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges d.b.a. Commission on Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education DAPIP)
Religious affiliation (IPEDS): Southern Baptist
Report an error or a newer source
Respond as this school

Colleges like this one

The same kind of school first, then the closest in selectivity, size and cost.

Compass ScoreBluffton UniversityBluffton, OHSimilar size and cost Compass ScoreHoward Payne UniversityBrownwood, TXSimilar size and cost Compass ScoreCentral Baptist CollegeConway, ARSimilar size and cost Compass ScoreWilliams Baptist UniversityWalnut Ridge, ARSimilar size and cost

More in North Carolina · North Carolina rankings