Is Lipscomb University a Christian college?

Yes. Lipscomb University is a Christian college.

What is Lipscomb University’s Compass Score?

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

Where is chapel held at Lipscomb University?

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

Christian college

#1 Christian colleges with the strongest Bible and theology in America

Lipscomb University

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

Lipscomb University is a Christian university in Nashville, Tennessee, affiliated with Churches of Christ. Its Office of Spiritual Formation runs a campus-wide weekly Gathering and about 50 Breakout Chapel groups, and every traditional undergraduate completes a Bible-based core. The university publishes its Centering Core as a statement of faith and offers a Theology and Ministry major.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Lipscomb University

MonToday
No set time
TueToday
- 10:55AMChapel
WedToday
No set time
ThuToday
- 10:55AMChapel
FriToday
No set time
SatToday
No set time
SunToday
No set time

No set time: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

Times as the college publishes them. Check before you plan a visit.

In the college’s own words

“We have numerous ministries and organizations that serve our students through bible studies, worship gatherings, retreats and other events.”
Source: lipscomb.edu
“We provide you with global opportunities to explore ministry and vocation as an expression of the Kingdom of God.”
Source: lipscomb.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students are required each semester to accrue 20 chapel credits.

Source: lipscomb.edu

What's a normal week?

The Gathering meets Tuesdays at 10:55 a.m. in Allen Arena, and most Breakouts meet Thursday mornings at 10:55 a.m.

Source: lipscomb.edu

Where do I find community?

Students enroll in one of more than 50 Breakouts, which range from Bible studies to worship gatherings and major-specific chapels.

Source: lipscomb.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

The missions department oversees 60 mission trips a year that bring the gospel to cultures across the globe.

Source: lipscomb.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

Show 5 more

In Tennessee

Show 13 more

Academic Excellence

A-

77 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score72%
First-year retention 20% of score84%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,256 · ACT 26.5
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score13 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$12,062

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

60 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Two campus chapel services a week: the Gathering (Tuesday) and Breakout Chapels (most on Thursday).)
Sources (2)
1. Spiritual Life | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “a twice-weekly chapel where we gather as a campus community to worship together”
  Campus chapel is held twice a week.
2. Chapel | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Gathering meets in Allen Arena at 10:55 a.m. every Tuesday for the whole semester.”
  The campus-wide Gathering meets Tuesdays at 10:55 a.m. all semester.
  “Most Breakouts meet on Thursday mornings at 10:55 a.m., but a variety of Breakouts meet at other times.”
  Most Breakout Chapels meet Thursdays at 10:55 a.m.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students are required each semester to accrue 20 chapel credits.”
  Students must earn a set number of chapel credits each semester.
Partly:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNow and then (Worship nights are listed as one-time Additional Chapel Experiences each semester.)
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Worship Night in Collins Auditorium @ 8:00 pm”
  A worship night was offered as one of the semester's Additional Chapel Experiences.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then
Sources (2)
1. Spiritual Life | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We lead many efforts including chapel services, small groups, special events, prayer meetings and leadership development programs.”
  The office leads prayer meetings, with no frequency stated.
2. Spiritual Formation | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Visit our office's Prayer Room, located on the ground floor of the Bennett Campus Center in Suite 130.”
  A prayer room is available, with time scheduled by appointment.
Yes:
Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsFull-time campus pastor or chaplain (A named campus pastor, chaplain or dean of chapel serves students on the college staff.)
Sources (2)
1. Spiritual Formation Team | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation/spiritual-formation-team · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “He actively works with the Office of Spiritual Formation team, providing vision and strategy across campus and offering pastoral care and spiritual support to students.”
  Joseph Mankin offers pastoral care and spiritual support to students as campus minister.
2. Spiritual Formation Team | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Joseph Mankin Associate Dean of Spiritual Formation and Campus Minister (615) 966-1179”
  Joseph Mankin is Associate Dean of Spiritual Formation and Campus Minister.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Join the entire student body in Allen Arena for a time of prayer, song and growth in Scripture.”
  Campus-wide worship is held in Allen Arena.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 2 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

100 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (Four required Bible courses: BI 1093, BI 1073, BI 1083 and one of three Christianity and Society courses.)
Sources (1)
1. General Education | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/journey-liberal-arts-core · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Through Scripture: 12 Credit Hours BI 1093 Story of Israel BI 1073 Story of Jesus BI 1083 Story of the Church Christianity and Society (choose one):”
  The core requires three Bible courses plus one choice of Christianity and Society course.
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.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
Sources (1)
1. General Education | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/journey-liberal-arts-core · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Deepened by a systematic engagement with the Christian intellectual tradition across disciplines”
  The core names the Christian intellectual tradition as one of its organizing aims.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
Sources (1)
1. Undergraduate Programs - Bible & Ministry | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/bible/academic-programs/bible-undergraduate-programs · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The core Theology and Ministry major at Lipscomb provides a foundation of knowledge, tools and skills that are critical for any type of ministry.”
  A Theology and Ministry major is offered.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
1. What We Believe | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/about/who-we-are/what-we-believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “By adopting the Centering Core as a Biblical statement of faith”
  The university has adopted the Centering Core as its statement of faith.

Christian community

76 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

Partly:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (Two spiritual formation staff are named on the official team page.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Formation Team | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation/spiritual-formation-team · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “He actively works with the Office of Spiritual Formation team, providing vision and strategy across campus and offering pastoral care and spiritual support to students.”
  Joseph Mankin offers pastoral care and spiritual support to students as campus minister.
  “Jordan works with the OSF team to cultivate opportunities with and for students to encounter God”
  Jordan McDonald works with the Office of Spiritual Formation team.
Partly:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (Retreats are listed without a count.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We have numerous ministries and organizations that serve our students through bible studies, worship gatherings, retreats and other events.”
  Campus ministries include Bible studies, worship gatherings and retreats, with no count of retreats stated.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students enroll in one of 50+ Breakouts, ranging from Bible studies, to worship gatherings, to major-specific chapels.”
  More than 50 Breakout groups include Bible studies.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (Every residence hall has resident leaders who lead devotionals.)
Sources (2)
1. Residence Halls | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/housing-residence-life/residence-halls · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Every dorm has live-in resident assistants and residence hall directors to enrich your on-campus experience with unique traditions, social events, service opportunities and devotionals.”
  Every residence hall has resident leaders who lead devotionals.
2. Spiritual Life | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Each of our residence hall directors (RHDs) and student resident assistants (RAs) are carefully chosen to provide spiritual leadership and support.”
  Resident directors and assistants are chosen to provide spiritual leadership.
Yes:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Formation | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Looking for a home church in Nashville? Here is a list of local churches within driving distance from Lipscomb.”
  A directory of local churches is published to help students find a church.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Formation | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The purpose of the Office of Spiritual Formation is to mentor, equip, and develop students into passionate followers of Jesus Christ”
  An Office of Spiritual Formation leads spiritual life for students.

Missions and service

83 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (1)
1. Service Opportunities | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation/service-opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Lipscomb is dedicated to serving others. We work hard to cultivate relationships so our students can serve their communities alongside passionate and knowledgeable partners.”
  The university runs a service program built around partner relationships.
Partly:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumAvailable
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “you'll find academic service learning programs”
  Academic service-learning programs are offered.
Yes:
Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (60 annual mission trips (many each year).)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Our robust missions department oversees 60 annual mission trips that bring the gospel to cultures across the globe”
  The missions department oversees 60 mission trips a year, many international.
Partly:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
Sources (1)
1. Service Opportunities | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation/service-opportunities · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Lipscomb is dedicated to serving others. We work hard to cultivate relationships so our students can serve their communities alongside passionate and knowledgeable partners.”
  The university runs a service program built around partner relationships.
Yes:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Our robust missions department oversees 60 annual mission trips that bring the gospel to cultures across the globe”
  The missions department oversees 60 mission trips a year, many international.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Missions | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We provide you with global opportunities to explore ministry and vocation as an expression of the Kingdom of God.”
  Missions trips are offered as an expression of the Kingdom of God.

Strengths

Students enroll in one of more than 50 Breakout chapels, including Bible studies, each semester.
Sources (1)
1. Chapel | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Students enroll in one of 50+ Breakouts, ranging from Bible studies, to worship gatherings, to major-specific chapels.”
  More than 50 Breakout groups include Bible studies.
The Bible-based core includes three required Bible courses and a Christianity and Society choice.
Sources (1)
1. General Education | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/academics/undergraduate-studies/journey-liberal-arts-core · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Through Scripture: 12 Credit Hours BI 1093 Story of Israel BI 1073 Story of Jesus BI 1083 Story of the Church Christianity and Society (choose one):”
  The core requires three Bible courses plus one choice of Christianity and Society course.
The university has adopted the Centering Core as its statement of faith.
Sources (1)
1. What We Believe | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/about/who-we-are/what-we-believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “By adopting the Centering Core as a Biblical statement of faith”
  The university has adopted the Centering Core as its statement of faith.

Concerns

No official page found lists the faculty requirement for affirming the statement of faith.
Sources (1)
1. What We Believe | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/about/who-we-are/what-we-believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “By adopting the Centering Core as a Biblical statement of faith”
  The university has adopted the Centering Core as its statement of faith.

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

Office of Spiritual Formation

Address: One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
Location: On campus
Facilities: prayer room

View on map ↗

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

Campus ministry

Office of Spiritual Formation

Sources (1)

Spiritual Formation | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/spiritual-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The purpose of the Office of Spiritual Formation is to mentor, equip, and develop students into passionate followers of Jesus Christ”
An Office of Spiritual Formation leads spiritual life for students.

Christian clubs and student life

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

Service 1

Missions teamsOff campus
Mission trips, 60 a year, to cultures around the world and in the United States.
lipscomb.edu

Clubs and groups 1

Breakout ChapelsOn campus
Weekly; most meet Thursdays at 10:55 a.m.
More than 50 small-group chapels, including Bible studies, worship gatherings and major-specific chapels.
lipscomb.edu, lipscomb.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 2

Tuesday10:55 AMAllen Arena · The Gathering, weekly during the semester.
Thursday10:55 AMBreakout Chapel locations · Most Breakout Chapels; others meet at other times.

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)

Chapel | Lipscomb Universitylipscomb.edu/student-life/spiritual-formation/chapel · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The Gathering meets in Allen Arena at 10:55 a.m. every Tuesday for the whole semester.”
The campus-wide Gathering meets Tuesdays at 10:55 a.m. all semester.
“Most Breakouts meet on Thursday mornings at 10:55 a.m., but a variety of Breakouts meet at other times.”
Most Breakout Chapels meet Thursdays at 10:55 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	$20,048
$30,001–$48,000	$20,009
$48,001–$75,000	$24,124
$75,001–$110,000	$25,210
Over $110,000	$31,265

Full cost of attendance before aid: $55,117 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)	3,270
Total students	5,047
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$24,739
Cost of attendance (per year)	$55,117
Median federal debt at graduation	$19,500
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	72%
First-year retention	84%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$55,541
Admission rate	68%
Students receiving Pell grants	24%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1160–1380ACT 23–30

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1256
SAT reading & writing	590–700
SAT math	570–680
ACT composite	23–30
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 71 / 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
Mechanical engineering	$93,990
Accounting	$83,930
Business administration	$80,751
Marketing	$77,996
Nursing	$74,051
Human resources	$61,167
General studies	$56,036
Biology	$54,965
Social work	$53,938
Communication studies	$52,267
Psychology	$47,933
Secondary education	$47,544
Teacher education	$44,328
Writing and rhetoric	$42,863

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Applied mathematics, Area studies, Arts management, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Chemistry, Civil engineering, Computer engineering, Computer science, Computing and information science, Criminal justice, Design, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services, Education (general), Electrical engineering, English, Entrepreneurship, Ethnic and gender studies, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Family and human development, Film and video, Finance, Fine arts, Foods, Nutrition,, German, Health sciences, History, Hospitality management, Information technology, International business, International relations, Journalism, Kinesiology and exercise science, Liberal arts, Literature, Management information systems, Mathematics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Music, Natural resources and conservation, Neuroscience, Other theology and religious vocations, Pastoral counseling, Philosophy, Physics, Political science, Pre-health, Pre-law and legal studies, Public administration, Public relations, Rehabilitation and therapy, Religious studies, Romance languages, Software and media applications, Special education, Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations, Sustainability Studies, Theatre, Urban Studies/Affairs, Visual and performing arts.

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	City
Part-time undergraduates	4%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	8%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$15,424
Sports	NCAA Division I · Atlantic Sun Conference
ROTC	Army · Air Force
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	13 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 Lipscomb University a Christian college?: Yes. Lipscomb University is a Christian college.
What is Lipscomb University’s Compass Score?: 79 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Lipscomb University?: Chapel is listed at Allen Arena and Breakout Chapel locations. 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

Contact details for Joseph Mankin (Associate Dean of Spiritual Formation and Campus Minister) and the campus ministry are available to signed-in users.

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My rating and notes

About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 219976
Carnegie classification: Doctoral/professional university
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): Churches of Christ
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Lipscomb University

Faith life at a glance

A week at Lipscomb University

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

Office of Spiritual Formation

Campus ministry

Christian clubs and student life

Service 1

Clubs and groups 1

Chapel, worship and prayer

Chapel 2

What families pay, by income

Cost and value

Earnings by major

Campus facts

Christian churches nearby

Questions families ask

Ask the school

Reviews

Reach out

My rating and notes

Colleges like this one

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