Is Johnson University a Christian college?

Yes. Johnson University is a Christian college.

What is Johnson University’s Compass Score?

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

Where is chapel held at Johnson University?

Chapel is listed at Chapel groups. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Christian college

#13 Christian colleges with the strongest missions and service in America

Johnson University

Knoxville, TN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Churches of Christ and Christian Churches

Real cost

Average price after aid $22,063 a year

Median debt at graduation: $21,500 (all students)

Estimate your own price · the college’s net price calculator

Johnson University is a Christian university in Knoxville, Tennessee, whose stated purpose is to join God in his mission to reconcile all people. Every bachelor's student completes a 33-credit Bible and Theology major, and the faculty commit to integrating faith and life. Chapel meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Wednesday chapel groups, and the community engagement office reports partnerships with more than eighty local organizations.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

“During the school year, the Johnson community gathers every Tuesday and Thursday morning for chapel services.”
Source: johnsonu.edu
“The PW Auditorium Prayer Room is open before, during, or after chapel for students to pray with a faculty/staff member about anything they’d like.”
Source: johnsonu.edu
“In a single semester, JU students serve over eighty community organizations and volunteer more than four thousand hours!”
Source: johnsonu.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Regular chapel attendance is required for graduation.

Source: johnsonu.edu

What's a normal week?

Johnson gathers for chapel on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Chapel Groups meet Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.

Source: johnsonu.edu

Where do I find community?

Chapel Groups meet every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in place of the large chapel gatherings.

Source: johnsonu.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Students serve more than 80 community organizations each semester, and community engagement is a catalyst in the university's mission.

Source: johnsonu.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

In Tennessee

Academic Excellence

61 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score57%
First-year retention 20% of score69%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,078 · ACT 21
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score12 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$10,567

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

53 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Chapel meets Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “During the school year, the Johnson community gathers every Tuesday and Thursday morning for chapel services.”
  Chapel meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year.
Partly:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsEncouraged or partly required (Regular chapel attendance is required for graduation.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “To this end, the chapel program is integral to a Johnson University education, and regular attendance is required for graduation.”
  Regular chapel attendance is required for graduation.
Partly:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNow and then (Worship nights are listed among student activities without a frequency.)
Sources (1)
1. Life at JU | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/life-at-ju · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Worship nights Bonfires, Midnight Breakfast, and other study breaks during finals”
  Worship nights are listed among student activities, with no frequency stated.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Weekly (The prayer room is open before, during or after chapel, which meets twice a week.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The PW Auditorium Prayer Room is open before, during, or after chapel for students to pray with a faculty/staff member about anything they’d like.”
  A prayer room on campus is open around chapel for students to pray.
Not enough information:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes (A prayer room is in the PW Auditorium on campus.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The PW Auditorium Prayer Room is open before, during, or after chapel for students to pray with a faculty/staff member about anything they’d like.”
  A prayer room on campus is open around chapel for students to pray.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (1 weekly time documented: 1 chapel, 0 worship night, 0 prayer.)Computed from the verified chapel services, worship nights and prayer times listed on the college's page (each day a time is offered counts once).

Bible and theology

90 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (The 33-credit Bible and Theology major (eleven three-credit courses) is required of all bachelor's students. It sits beside the 46-credit Arts and Sciences core, not inside it; counted here because it is required of every bachelor's student.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The standard curriculum for the Bible & Theology Major consists of eleven three-credit courses that proceed from freshman to senior levels.”
  The Bible and Theology major is eleven three-credit courses.
  “The required 33-credit Bible & Theology Major grounds students in”
  A 33-credit Bible and Theology major is required of bachelor's students.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (BIBL 1020 Old Testament Foundations and the Gospel course BIBL 1010 are required of all bachelor's students.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “BIBL 1020 Old Testament Foundations (3)”
  Old Testament Foundations is a required course in the Bible and Theology major.
Partly:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (The Bible and Theology courses are counted under T1 only.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Arts and Sciences Core Curriculum (Tennessee) for B.A. and B.S. degrees (46 credits)”
  The 46-credit core for bachelor's students is listed in full, and it contains no worldview course.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (Faculty core values commit faculty to integrating faith and life.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The faculty is committed to integrating faith and life.”
  Faculty core values commit to integrating faith and life.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (The Bible and Theology major is a required major, and the Bible Teaching major is also offered.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The required 33-credit Bible & Theology Major grounds students in”
  A 33-credit Bible and Theology major is required of bachelor's students.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “There is one true, triune, supreme God of the Old and New Testaments, and he is the sole”
  The university publishes a statement of faith.

Christian community

71 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Partly:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One named professional spiritual life staff member is listed (Director of Spiritual Life).)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Lydia Emerson [Director of Spiritual Life, Johnson University]”
  Lydia Emerson is the Director of Spiritual Life.
Partly:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (A Mission Emphasis Week is on the fall 2026 chapel schedule. Only one such week was seen.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Mission Emphasis Week: Matt McGue”
  A Mission Emphasis Week appears on the Fall 2026 chapel schedule.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Seven topic chapel groups and mentor groups of six peers, met weekly.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Chapel Groups meet every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in place of our large chapel gatherings.”
  Chapel groups meet every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
Yes:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithAll faculty (Every trustee, administrator, teacher and staff member holds the listed statements to be true.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “every trustee, administrator, teacher, and staff member holds the following items to be true”
  Faculty, staff and trustees hold the statement of faith to be true.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Director of Spiritual Life leads the spiritual life office.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Lydia Emerson [Director of Spiritual Life, Johnson University]”
  Lydia Emerson is the Director of Spiritual Life.

Missions and service

91 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes (The community engagement office organizes student service partnerships in Knoxville.)
Sources (1)
1. Community Engagement | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/community-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Community engagement is a catalyst in our mission to educate students for strategic vocations.”
  Community engagement is organized as a university function.
Yes:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students (HUMN 1603 Service Learning and Change is a required core course.)
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “HUMN 1603 Service Learning and Change”
  Service learning is a required core course for bachelor's students.
Not enough information:
Missions trips offered to studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany
Sources (1)
1. Community Engagement | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/community-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In a single semester, JU students serve over eighty community organizations and volunteer more than four thousand hours!”
  Students serve more than eighty community organizations each semester.
Partly:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome
Sources (1)
1. Partnerships | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/johnson-university-partnerships · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In cities here in the United States and around the world, Johnson University partners with nonprofit organizations, churches, parachurch organizations, and other universities to create opportunities for our students.”
  The university partners with churches and ministries in the U.S. and abroad to create opportunities for students.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Mission & Values | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/about/mission-values · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The centrality of service to Christian congregations, the local community, and the world”
  Service to Christian congregations, the community and the world is one of the university's stated values.

Strengths

Every bachelor's student completes the Bible and Theology major, which includes Old Testament and Gospel courses.
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The required 33-credit Bible & Theology Major grounds students in”
  A 33-credit Bible and Theology major is required of bachelor's students.
  “BIBL 1020 Old Testament Foundations (3)”
  Old Testament Foundations is a required course in the Bible and Theology major.
Chapel meets twice a week during the school year, and chapel groups meet every Wednesday.
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “During the school year, the Johnson community gathers every Tuesday and Thursday morning for chapel services.”
  Chapel meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year.
  “Chapel Groups meet every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in place of our large chapel gatherings.”
  Chapel groups meet every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.
The faculty core values commit to integrating faith and life.
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Academic Catalog 2026-2027johnsonu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-2027-Johnson-University-Undergraduate-Academic-Catalog-Final-06-19-2025.pdf · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The faculty is committed to integrating faith and life.”
  Faculty core values commit to integrating faith and life.
Students serve more than eighty community organizations in a single semester.
Sources (1)
1. Community Engagement | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/community-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In a single semester, JU students serve over eighty community organizations and volunteer more than four thousand hours!”
  Students serve more than eighty community organizations each semester.

Concerns

Chapel attendance is required for graduation.
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “To this end, the chapel program is integral to a Johnson University education, and regular attendance is required for graduation.”
  Regular chapel attendance is required for graduation.

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

Spiritual Development (Chapel and spiritual life office)

Address: 7900 Johnson Dr, Knoxville, TN 37998

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

Campus ministry

Spiritual Development

Sources (1)

Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“During the school year, the Johnson community gathers every Tuesday and Thursday morning for chapel services.”
Chapel meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year.
“Lydia Emerson [Director of Spiritual Life, Johnson University]”
Lydia Emerson is the Director of Spiritual Life.

Christian clubs and student life

2 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus

Service 1

Community service partnershipsOff campus
Students serve more than eighty community organizations in Knoxville in a semester.
johnsonu.edu

Clubs and groups 1

Chapel groupsOn campus
Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.
Seven topic small groups or a mentor group of six peers and a mentor leader.
johnsonu.edu

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

Chapel, worship and prayer

Confirm with the campus ministry

Chapel 1

Wednesday9:30 AMChapel groups · Chapel groups meet in place of the large chapel gathering; topic groups and mentor groups.

Times come only from official campus ministry, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 20, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)

Spiritual Development | Johnson Universityjohnsonu.edu/student-life/spiritual-development · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Chapel Groups meet every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in place of our large chapel gatherings.”
Chapel groups meet every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

Plan a campus visit Chapel and worship times for your dates, questions to ask, and a calendar button.

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	$17,246
$30,001–$48,000	$19,212
$48,001–$75,000	$23,206
$75,001–$110,000	$25,075
Over $110,000	$24,860

Full cost of attendance before aid: $34,244 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)	708
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 50% · Women 50%
First-generation students College Scorecard	25%
First-year students from another state IPEDS, fall 2023	37%
Total students	950
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$22,063
Cost of attendance (per year)	$34,244
Median federal debt at graduation	$21,500
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	57%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	31%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	29%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	62%
First-year retention	69%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$40,596
Admission rate	65%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$35
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $1,184 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	39%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 960–1110ACT 18–24

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1078
SAT reading & writing	490–570
SAT math	470–540
ACT composite	18–24
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 50 / 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
Bible/Biblical Studies	$39,600

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education, Business administration, Communication studies, Counseling and mental health, English, Family and human development, History, Human resources, Journalism, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Linguistics, Literature, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Pastoral counseling, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Psychology, Public health, Public relations, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Secondary education, Special education, Teacher education, Teaching English as a second language, Theology, Visual and performing arts.

What students study most

Share of bachelor’s degrees by field, first majors in 2023–24 (IPEDS).

Most common bachelor’s fields
Field	Share of degrees
Theology and religious studies	40%
Education	13%
Psychology	13%
Business	8%
Parks, recreation and fitness	6%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	Rural
Part-time undergraduates	9%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	12%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$9,900
Sports	NAIA · Appalachian Athletic Conference
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	12 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability office	About 9%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time	100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$152,571IPEDS, 2023, per student
Nearest airport with airline service	McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)About 16 miles away · about 45 minutes by car
Town population	195,185Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	Lexington-FayetteAbout 150 miles away · about 3 hours 40 minutes by car
Typical weather	38°F in January · 78°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Sevierville, TN, about 9 miles away

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

Campus safety reports

On-campus crimes reported in 2024, per 1,000 students.

On-campus crimes per 1,000 students
Category	This campus	U.S. rate
Rape	0.00	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	3.07	0.08
Motor vehicle theft	0.00	0.15

Numbers reflect what each campus reported. They differ with campus size and how reporting is done, so compare with care. U.S. rate: total reported offenses divided by total students at every institution in the report.

Source: Official data: U.S. Department of Education

Questions families ask

Is Johnson University a Christian college?: Yes. Johnson University is a Christian college.
What is Johnson University’s Compass Score?: 73 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Johnson University?: Chapel is listed at Chapel groups. Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

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Reach out

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My rating and notes

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 220473
Carnegie classification: Master's university (medium programs)
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): Christian Churches and Churches of Christ
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Johnson University

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

Questions students ask

Rankings

In America

In Tennessee

Academic Excellence

Faith scorecard

Worship and chapel

Bible and theology

Christian community

Missions and service

Strengths

Concerns

Campus ministry home

Spiritual Development (Chapel and spiritual life office)

Campus ministry

Christian clubs and student life

Service 1

Clubs and groups 1

Chapel, worship and prayer

Chapel 1

What families pay, by income

Cost and value

Earnings by major

What students study most

Campus facts

Campus safety reports

Questions families ask

Ask the school

Reviews

Reach out

My rating and notes

Colleges like this one

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