Is Southern Adventist University a Christian college?

Yes. Southern Adventist University is a Christian college.

What is Southern Adventist University’s Compass Score?

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

Where is chapel held at Southern Adventist University?

Chapel is listed at Sanctuary and Collegedale Church (on campus). 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 Christian community in America

Southern Adventist University

Collegedale, TN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Seventh-day Adventist

Real cost

Average price after aid $24,345 a year

Median debt at graduation: $24,500 (all students)

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

Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, Tennessee. Its Office of Ministry and Missions has six named staff, and students meet weekly for Vespers on Friday evenings during the school year. Student-led Renewal worship is held on campus at 11:45 a.m. each Sabbath, and about 100 student LifeGroups meet weekly. The School of Religion offers a Biblical Studies major and requires 12 hours of religion in general education.

Faith life at a glance

In the college’s own words

“Join Southern's beloved tradition of welcoming in the Sabbath as a campus family every Friday night during the school year.”
Source: southern.edu
“Find belonging in any one of 100 student-led small groups meeting for one hour weekly.”
Source: southern.edu
“Experience a new culture while sharing Christ’s love with the world through Southern’s varying missions programs.”
Source: southern.edu

Questions students ask

What's a normal week?

Students welcome the Sabbath as a campus family on Friday nights during the school year, and Renewal, a student-led worship service, meets at 11:45 a.m. each Sabbath.

Source: southern.edu

Where do I find community?

Students can join one of 100 student-led small groups that meet for one hour each week.

Source: southern.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

Southern's varied missions programs let students share Christ's love with the world, and the Summer Evangelism Abroad program helps students preach in another country.

Source: southern.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

59 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score49%
First-year retention 20% of score83%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,129 · ACT 22
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score19 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$11,547

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

62 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekOnce a week (Vespers each Friday evening during the school year.)
Sources (1)
1. Live Streaming and Archives | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Join Southern's beloved tradition of welcoming in the Sabbath as a campus family every Friday night during the school year.”
  Vespers is held every Friday night during the school year.
Not enough information:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Vespers meets every Friday night and student-led Renewal meets every Sabbath during the school year.)
Sources (1)
1. Live Streaming and Archives | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Join Southern's beloved tradition of welcoming in the Sabbath as a campus family every Friday night during the school year.”
  Vespers is held every Friday night during the school year.
  “Renewal is the worship service led primarily by Southern students at Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventist on campus at 11:45 a.m each Sabbath.”
  Student-led Renewal worship is held on campus at 11:45 a.m. each Sabbath.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (Impromptu prayer groups are described as occurring around campus, now and then.)
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/undergrad/campus-life/spiritual-life.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Southern's spirit shines brightest during spontaneous Bible studies on the Promenade or impromptu prayer groups that crop up around campus.”
  Impromptu prayer groups and Bible studies occur around campus.
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 (1)
1. Talk to Someone | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/aboutus.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “As our Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain, Joseph will help you learn to dream God-sized dreams and pursue a life full of purpose.”
  A Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain leads the chaplaincy team.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes (Collegedale Church is on campus and holds its services in its sanctuary.)
Sources (1)
1. Live Streaming and Archives | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Renewal is the worship service led primarily by Southern students at Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventist on campus at 11:45 a.m each Sabbath.”
  Student-led Renewal worship is held on campus at 11:45 a.m. each Sabbath.
Partly:
Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer1 or 2 times a week (2 weekly times documented: 1 chapel, 1 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).

N/A

Bible and theology

Not enough information · 2 of 6 found

Yes:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (The program page says bachelor's candidates apply 12 general education hours in religion, about four 3-credit courses.)
Sources (1)
1. BA Biblical Studies | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/academics/religion/undergraduate/babiblicalstudies.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The four-year degree candidate may apply the required 12 hours of general education courses in religion toward the hours needed for the major.”
  The general education program requires 12 hours of religion courses.
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 (BA in Biblical Studies, with a list of required courses.)
Sources (1)
1. BA Biblical Studies | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/academics/religion/undergraduate/babiblicalstudies.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “This degree provides a thorough exposure to classes in biblical studies.”
  A Biblical Studies bachelor's degree is offered, with a list of required courses.
Not enough information:
A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.

Christian community

100 of 100 points · 4 of 7 found

Yes:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)5 or more (Six named professional staff on the team page: Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain, two Associate Chaplains, an Assistant Chaplain, a Student Missions Director and a Vision Trip Coordinator.)
Sources (1)
1. Talk to Someone | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/aboutus.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “As our Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain, Joseph will help you learn to dream God-sized dreams and pursue a life full of purpose.”
  A Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain leads the chaplaincy team.
  “Comprised of chaplains and missions professionals, our team exists to support you in every chapter of your collegiate experience.”
  The team is made up of chaplains and missions professionals.
  “Byard is our Student Missions Director.”
  A Student Missions Director leads missions for students.
Not enough information:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (LifeGroups are described as 100 student-led small groups meeting weekly.)
Sources (1)
1. LifeGroups | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/lifegroup.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Find belonging in any one of 100 student-led small groups meeting for one hour weekly.”
  About 100 student-led small groups meet weekly.
Not enough information:
Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Not enough information:
Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Yes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/undergrad/campus-life/spiritual-life.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “To see a list of churches within 30 miles radius of Southern, click here.”
  Students can find a local church through a list of nearby churches.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Talk to Someone | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/aboutus.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “As our Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain, Joseph will help you learn to dream God-sized dreams and pursue a life full of purpose.”
  A Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain leads the chaplaincy team.

Missions and service

77 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes
Sources (1)
1. Talk to Someone | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/aboutus.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Byard is our Student Missions Director.”
  A Student Missions Director leads missions for students.
Not enough information:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Missions trips offered to studentsSome (Several missions programs and Vision Trips are described.)
Sources (2)
1. Spiritual Life | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/undergrad/campus-life/spiritual-life.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Experience a new culture while sharing Christ’s love with the world through Southern’s varying missions programs.”
  Missions programs share the Christian gospel and are offered in varied forms.
2. Talk to Someone | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/aboutus.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “As our Vision Trip Coordinator, Julie inspires students to make a practical impact using their majors through global service.”
  A Vision Trip Coordinator organizes global service trips for students.
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. School of Religion | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/academics/religion · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Evangelistic Resource Center (ERC) houses our Summer Evangelism Abroad (SEA) Program, which coordinates and helps sponsor students to preach a full message series in a foreign country”
  A summer evangelism program sends students to preach in foreign countries.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. Spiritual Life | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/undergrad/campus-life/spiritual-life.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Experience a new culture while sharing Christ’s love with the world through Southern’s varying missions programs.”
  Missions programs share the Christian gospel and are offered in varied forms.

Strengths

A team of six named chaplains and missions staff serves students, including a Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain.
Sources (1)
1. Talk to Someone | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/aboutus.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “As our Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain, Joseph will help you learn to dream God-sized dreams and pursue a life full of purpose.”
  A Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain leads the chaplaincy team.
  “Comprised of chaplains and missions professionals, our team exists to support you in every chapter of your collegiate experience.”
  The team is made up of chaplains and missions professionals.
  “Byard is our Student Missions Director.”
  A Student Missions Director leads missions for students.
Vespers is held every Friday night during the school year, and student-led Renewal worship meets each Sabbath.
Sources (1)
1. Live Streaming and Archives | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Join Southern's beloved tradition of welcoming in the Sabbath as a campus family every Friday night during the school year.”
  Vespers is held every Friday night during the school year.
  “Renewal is the worship service led primarily by Southern students at Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventist on campus at 11:45 a.m each Sabbath.”
  Student-led Renewal worship is held on campus at 11:45 a.m. each Sabbath.
About 100 student-led LifeGroups meet weekly for one hour.
Sources (1)
1. LifeGroups | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/lifegroup.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Find belonging in any one of 100 student-led small groups meeting for one hour weekly.”
  About 100 student-led small groups meet weekly.
A Biblical Studies bachelor's degree is offered, and general education includes 12 hours of religion.
Sources (1)
1. BA Biblical Studies | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/academics/religion/undergraduate/babiblicalstudies.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “This degree provides a thorough exposure to classes in biblical studies.”
  A Biblical Studies bachelor's degree is offered, with a list of required courses.
  “The four-year degree candidate may apply the required 12 hours of general education courses in religion toward the hours needed for the major.”
  The general education program requires 12 hours of religion courses.

Concerns

The regular campus worship is on Friday evening and Sabbath.
Sources (1)
1. Live Streaming and Archives | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Join Southern's beloved tradition of welcoming in the Sabbath as a campus family every Friday night during the school year.”
  Vespers is held every Friday night during the school year.
  “Renewal is the worship service led primarily by Southern students at Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventist on campus at 11:45 a.m each Sabbath.”
  Student-led Renewal worship is held on campus at 11:45 a.m. each Sabbath.

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 Ministry and Missions

Address: 4881 Taylor Circle, Student Center, Collegedale, Tennessee
Distance from campus: less than 0.1 mi (straight line from the campus point in federal IPEDS data)
Facilities: Student Center office, Collegedale Church (on campus) sanctuary for worship

View on map ↗

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

Campus ministry

Office of Ministry and Missions

Sources (1)

Talk to Someone | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/administration/chaplain/aboutus.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“As our Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain, Joseph will help you learn to dream God-sized dreams and pursue a life full of purpose.”
A Vice President of Spiritual Life and Chaplain leads the chaplaincy team.
“Comprised of chaplains and missions professionals, our team exists to support you in every chapter of your collegiate experience.”
The team is made up of chaplains and missions professionals.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 3 on campus, 2 off campus

Service 2

Vision TripsOff campus
Global service trips where students use their majors, coordinated by a Vision Trip Coordinator.
southern.edu
Summer Evangelism AbroadOff campus
Program that helps students preach a message series in a foreign country.
southern.edu

Clubs and groups 1

LifeGroupsOn campus
Weekly
About 100 student-led small groups, including Bible study groups, that meet for one hour each week.
southern.edu

Worship and prayer 2

VespersOn campus
Friday nights during the school year
Welcoming in the Sabbath as a campus family, with an archive and live stream.
southern.edu
RenewalOn campus
11:45 a.m. each Sabbath
Student-led worship service at Collegedale Church.
southern.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

Saturday9:00 AMSanctuary, Collegedale Church (on campus) · Adoration worship service on Sabbath.

Worship night 1

Saturday11:45 AMCollegedale Church (on campus) · Renewal, a student-led worship service.

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 (2)

Spiritual Life | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/undergrad/campus-life/spiritual-life.html · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“9:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.”
A Sabbath adoration worship service is held at 9:00 a.m. in the Collegedale Church sanctuary.
Live Streaming and Archives | Southern Adventist Universitysouthern.edu/events · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Renewal is the worship service led primarily by Southern students at Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventist on campus at 11:45 a.m each Sabbath.”
Student-led Renewal worship is held on campus at 11:45 a.m. each Sabbath.

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	$19,123
$30,001–$48,000	$20,421
$48,001–$75,000	$22,849
$75,001–$110,000	$26,679
Over $110,000	$30,751

Full cost of attendance before aid: $38,618 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)	2,827
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 46% · Women 54%
First-generation students College Scorecard	18%
First-year students from another state IPEDS, fall 2023	79%
Total students	3,154
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$24,345
Cost of attendance (per year)	$38,618
Median federal debt at graduation	$24,500
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	49%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	47%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	41%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	63%
First-year retention	83%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$53,723
Admission rate	66%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$25
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $1,263 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	31%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1020–1300ACT 19–25

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1129
SAT reading & writing	530–660
SAT math	490–640
ACT composite	19–25
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 48 / 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
Nursing	$83,525
Kinesiology and exercise science	$59,895
Social work	$51,516
Teacher education	$50,119
Business administration	$48,307

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Allied health, Archeology, Automotive technology, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection, Chemistry, Clinical and counseling psychology, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Communications Technologies/Technicians, Computer engineering, Computer science, Construction Management, Culinary arts, Curriculum and instruction, Data Analytics, Dental assisting, Design, Drafting and design, Economics, Educational leadership, Electrical engineering, Engineering (general), Engineering Mechanics, English, Entrepreneurship, Ethnic and gender studies, Experimental psychology, Family and human development, Film and video, Finance, Fine arts, Foods, Nutrition,, General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations, Global studies, Health administration, History, Human resources, Industrial technology, Information technology, Interdisciplinary studies, International business, International relations, Journalism, Liberal arts, Linguistics, Literature, Management information systems, Management science, Marketing, Mathematics, Medical assisting, Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Museology/Museum Studies, Music, Other biological and biomedical sciences, Other business, management, marketing, and related support services, Other communications technologies/technicians and support services, Other computer and information sciences and support services, Other education, Other parks, recreation, leisure, fitness, and kinesiology, Pastoral counseling, Physics, Political science, Pre-law and legal studies, Programming, Psychology, Public health, Public relations, Rehabilitation and therapy, Religious Education, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Secondary education, Sociology, Software and media applications, Special education, Speech-language pathology, Teaching English as a second language, Theology, Visual and performing arts, Writing and rhetoric.

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
Health professions	21%
Business	17%
Biology	13%
Visual and performing arts	8%
Parks, recreation and fitness	7%

Campus facts

Setting	Suburb
Part-time undergraduates	11%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	7%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$8,900
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	19 to 1
Faculty who are full-time	100%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$20,947IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 53% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field) (CHA)About 9 miles away · about 25 minutes by car
Nearest major airport	Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)About 104 miles away
Town population	11,330Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	AtlantaAbout 96 miles away · about 2 hours 20 minutes by car
Typical weather	42°F in January · 81°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Chattanooga Lovell Airport, TN, about 9 miles away

Federal data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). 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	0.31	0.07
Robbery	0.00	0.01
Aggravated assault	0.00	0.04
Burglary	0.00	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

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 Southern Adventist University a Christian college?: Yes. Southern Adventist University is a Christian college.
What is Southern Adventist University’s Compass Score?: 75 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Southern Adventist University?: Chapel is listed at Sanctuary and Collegedale Church (on campus). 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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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 221661
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): Seventh Day Adventist
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