Is Union University a Christian college?

Yes. Union University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Tennessee Baptist Convention.

What is Union University’s Compass Score?

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

Where is chapel held at Union University?

Chapel is listed at Union chapel (Fred DeLay Gymnasium while the new chapel is under construction). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.

Is Union University Compass Recommended?

Yes. Union University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

Christian college

#21 Best test-optional Christian colleges in America

Union University

Jackson, TN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Tennessee Baptist Convention · Baptist

Real cost

Average price after aid $27,171 a year

Median debt at graduation: $20,714 (all students)

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

Recommended badge

Union University is a Christian university in Jackson, Tennessee, affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. Chapel is held twice a week, and traditional undergraduates taking 12 or more hours must attend 14 services each semester. Every bachelor's student takes Old Testament and New Testament survey courses.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Union University

MonToday
No set time
TueToday
No set time
WedToday
- 10:00AMChapel
ThuToday
No set time
FriToday
- 10:00AMChapel
SatToday
No set time
SunToday
No set time

No set time: Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun

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

In the college’s own words

“Twice a week, the Union community gathers for chapel — one of the most distinctive rhythms of life on campus.”
Source: uu.edu
“We seek to train and equip students to take the next steps toward a life that connects with God's global purpose.”
Source: uu.edu
“Engage with local churches through corporate worship, campus ministry, urban ministry, and a two-day conference.”
Source: uu.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Because chapel services are integral to the educational experience, attendance is required.

Source: uu.smartcatalogiq.com

What's a normal week?

Chapel meets Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m., and Huddles meet Sunday nights throughout the year.

Source: uu.smartcatalogiq.com

Where do I find community?

Journey groups are student-led discipleship groups that meet to live out the Christian life together.

Source: uu.edu

Can I serve or go on mission trips?

GO Trips, offered during spring break and May, give students chances to serve in ministry settings such as church planting.

Source: uu.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 29 more

In Tennessee

Show 26 more

Academic Excellence

A-

80 of 100

From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

Graduation rate 35% of score66%
First-year retention 20% of score89%
Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreSAT 1,256 · ACT 26
Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of score9 to 1
Instructional spending per student 15% of score$14,464

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

69 of 100 points · 6 of 7 found

Partly:
Chapel services during the weekTwice a week (Twice a week: Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the 2026-27 catalog.)
Sources (2)
1. Faith & Worship | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Twice a week, the Union community gathers for chapel — one of the most distinctive rhythms of life on campus.”
  Chapel is held twice a week for the university community.
2. Student Life | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Because we are a Christian community and chapel services are integral to the educational experience, attendance is required. Services are held on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Traditional undergraduate students who are enrolled in 12 or more hours must attend 14 chapel services each semester.”
  Chapel attendance is required: 14 services a semester for traditional undergraduates taking 12 or more hours. Services are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m.
Yes:
Chapel attendance expected of studentsRequired, with a set number of services each term (Required: 14 chapel services each semester for traditional undergraduates enrolled in 12 or more hours.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Life | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Because we are a Christian community and chapel services are integral to the educational experience, attendance is required. Services are held on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Traditional undergraduate students who are enrolled in 12 or more hours must attend 14 chapel services each semester.”
  Chapel attendance is required: 14 services a semester for traditional undergraduates taking 12 or more hours. Services are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m.
Not enough information:
Student worship nights or praise servicesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Partly:
Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Now and then (A few prayer events in the fall (a guided prayerwalk is listed).)
Sources (1)
1. Student Discipleship & Engagement | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/student-discipleship-and-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “GUIDED ON-CAMPUS PRAYERWALK FOR CHINA”
  A guided on-campus prayer walk was listed for the fall 2026 semester.
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. Student Discipleship & Engagement | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/student-discipleship-and-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Hayden Phillips Assistant Director of Campus Ministry and Men's Discipleship, Student Discipleship and Engagement”
  Hayden Phillips is Assistant Director of Campus Ministry and Men's Discipleship.
  “Fran Thomas Assistant Director for Campus Ministry and Women’s Discipleship, Student Discipleship and Engagement”
  Fran Thomas is Assistant Director for Campus Ministry and Women's Discipleship.
Yes:
A chapel or worship space on campusYes (The gymnasium is the chapel's worship space while the new chapel is under construction.)
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Worship | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “While our new chapel is under construction, chapel services will be held in Fred DeLay Gymnasium in the Penick Academic Complex.”
  Chapel services are held in Fred DeLay Gymnasium while the new chapel is under construction.
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

80 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

Partly:
Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students2 courses (CHR 111 and CHR 112 (six hours) are the only Bible courses required of every bachelor's student, in both core versions (BA/BFA/BM and BS/BSBA/BSE/BSN/BSW).)
Sources (2)
1. The Union University Core | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/academic-program/the-union-university-core · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Christian Studies, 6 hours CHR 111 CHR 112”
  The general core requires six hours of Christian Studies, CHR 111 and CHR 112, in both the BA/BFA/BM and BS/BSBA/BSE/BSN/BSW core lists.
2. CHR - Christian Studies | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/courses/chr-christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “CHR 111 Old Testament Survey CHR 112 New Testament Survey”
  CHR 111 is the Old Testament Survey and CHR 112 is the New Testament Survey.
Yes:
Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsRequired of all students (Both the Old Testament Survey and the New Testament Survey are required.)
Sources (1)
1. CHR - Christian Studies | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/courses/chr-christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “CHR 111 Old Testament Survey CHR 112 New Testament Survey”
  CHR 111 is the Old Testament Survey and CHR 112 is the New Testament Survey.
Partly:
Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses requiredNone required (The only Christian Studies courses required of all students are CHR 111 and CHR 112, already counted under T1. The capstone in each major addresses Christian thought and action but is not a course.)
Sources (1)
1. The Union University Core | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/academic-program/the-union-university-core · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Christian Studies, 6 hours CHR 111 CHR 112”
  The general core requires six hours of Christian Studies, CHR 111 and CHR 112, in both the BA/BFA/BM and BS/BSBA/BSE/BSN/BSW core lists.
Yes:
Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes
Sources (1)
1. The Union University Core | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/academic-program/the-union-university-core · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In accordance with Union's emphasis on the integration of faith and learning, the core emphasizes knowledge of the Bible and the relation of Christian worldview to all the other subjects.”
  The core curriculum is described as integrating faith and learning, with Bible knowledge and Christian worldview across all subjects.
Yes:
Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes (Majors include Biblical Studies, Christian Ministry and Missions, Christian Studies and Theological Studies.)
Sources (1)
1. School of Theology and Missions | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/school-of-theology-and-missions · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Major in Biblical Studies—Languages Major in Christian Ministry and Missions Major in Christian Studies”
  The School of Theology and Missions offers Bible, ministry and theology majors.
Yes:
A published statement of faithYes
Sources (1)
1. What We Believe | Union Universityuu.edu/about/what-we-believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs.”
  Union publishes a Statement of Faith on its What We Believe page.

Christian community

81 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

Partly:
Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)3 to 4 (Four named ministry staff on the Student Discipleship and Engagement staff page (two Directors or Executive Director and two Assistant Directors of Campus Ministry, plus Director).)
Sources (1)
1. Student Discipleship & Engagement | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/student-discipleship-and-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Hayden Phillips Assistant Director of Campus Ministry and Men's Discipleship, Student Discipleship and Engagement”
  Hayden Phillips is Assistant Director of Campus Ministry and Men's Discipleship.
  “Fran Thomas Assistant Director for Campus Ministry and Women’s Discipleship, Student Discipleship and Engagement”
  Fran Thomas is Assistant Director for Campus Ministry and Women's Discipleship.
  “Julie Bradfield Director for Student Discipleship and Engagement”
  Julie Bradfield is Director for Student Discipleship and Engagement.
  “Joe Ball Executive Director for Student Discipleship and Engagement”
  Joe Ball is Executive Director for Student Discipleship and Engagement.
Partly:
Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearOne or two (One listed fall on-campus retreat (Counseling Services, October 17, 2026), and a fall focus on God's Word, world and work.)
Sources (2)
1. Counseling Services | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/health/counseling-services · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Union University Counseling Services invites you to take time to rest in the Lord and be reminded of your belovedness in Jesus during our fall on-campus retreat on Saturday, October 17th from 9:00am-noon.”
  Counseling Services offers a fall on-campus retreat on October 17, 2026.
2. Student Life | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “During the fall semester, there is a time of intentional focus on God's Word, God's world, and God's work.”
  The fall semester has a set focus on God's Word, world and work, with mobilization events.
Yes:
Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsMany (Life Groups, Bridges, Journey Groups, Delight (women) and FCA Huddle (athletes) are listed.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Discipleship & Engagement | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/student-discipleship-and-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Life Groups are student-led discipleship groups for new students.”
  Life Groups are student-led discipleship groups for new students.
  “Delight will meet on Thursday nights in the Bowld.”
  Delight, a Christian group for college women, meets on Thursday nights.
  “Huddles will meet on Sunday nights beginning in September and last throughout the entire year.”
  FCA Huddle for athletes meets on Sunday nights through the year.
  “Journey groups are student-led discipleship groups that meet to live out the Christian life together.”
  Journey Groups are student-led discipleship groups.
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 (Life Groups help new students connect to a local church. Church Relations is part of University Ministries.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Life | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Life Groups leaders come alongside new students by helping them build relationships with other students, connect to a local church, and take the next steps in their walk with Christ.”
  Life Groups help new students connect to a local church.
  “The Office of University Ministries encompasses the work of Chapel, Church Relations, Missionary-in-Residence program, and employee pastoral care.”
  The Office of University Ministries oversees chapel, church relations and pastoral care for the university community.
Yes:
Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (Office of University Ministries; the Vice President for University Ministries also leads the School of Theology and Missions.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Life | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “The Office of University Ministries encompasses the work of Chapel, Church Relations, Missionary-in-Residence program, and employee pastoral care.”
  The Office of University Ministries oversees chapel, church relations and pastoral care for the university community.

Missions and service

100 of 100 points · 5 of 6 found

Yes:
Service or outreach officeYes (The Mobilization office inside Student Discipleship and Engagement runs missions outreach and GO Trips.)
Sources (1)
1. Student Discipleship & Engagement | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/student-discipleship-and-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “We seek to train and equip students to take the next steps toward a life that connects with God's global purpose.”
  The Mobilization office trains and equips students for missions outreach.
Not enough information:
Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumNot enough information: not found in official sources.
Yes:
Missions trips offered to studentsMany each year (Ten GO Trips listed for 2026-27 (five over spring break and five in May): recorded at Many each year.)
Sources (1)
1. GO Trips | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith/go-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “GO Trips, offered during spring break and May, provide opportunities to serve in ministry contexts such as church planting, campus outreach, orphan care, and community development.”
  GO Trips are offered over spring break and in May for ministry service in several contexts.
Yes:
Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceMany (Several trips serve alongside local churches and ministry partners.)
Sources (1)
1. GO Trips | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith/go-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Engage with local churches through corporate worship, campus ministry, urban ministry, and a two-day conference.”
  Trips work alongside local churches and ministries, such as the Sudbury trip.
Yes:
Cross-cultural or global ministry programsMany (Nine of the ten 2026-27 GO Trips are outside the United States.)
Sources (1)
1. GO Trips | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith/go-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Engage college campuses to build relationships and share the gospel with university students across Nairobi.”
  Trips include cross-cultural ministry abroad, such as the Kenya trip.
Yes:
Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
Sources (1)
1. GO Trips | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith/go-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “by providing team-based opportunities to join ministry partners domestically and internationally in making Christ known”
  GO Trips are designed to make Christ known through ministry partners at home and abroad.

Strengths

Chapel attendance is required: traditional undergraduates taking 12 or more hours attend 14 services each semester.
Sources (1)
1. Student Life | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Because we are a Christian community and chapel services are integral to the educational experience, attendance is required. Services are held on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Traditional undergraduate students who are enrolled in 12 or more hours must attend 14 chapel services each semester.”
  Chapel attendance is required: 14 services a semester for traditional undergraduates taking 12 or more hours. Services are Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m.
Both the Old Testament Survey and the New Testament Survey are required of every bachelor's student.
Sources (2)
1. CHR - Christian Studies | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/courses/chr-christian-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “CHR 111 Old Testament Survey CHR 112 New Testament Survey”
  CHR 111 is the Old Testament Survey and CHR 112 is the New Testament Survey.
2. The Union University Core | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/academic-program/the-union-university-core · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “Christian Studies, 6 hours CHR 111 CHR 112”
  The general core requires six hours of Christian Studies, CHR 111 and CHR 112, in both the BA/BFA/BM and BS/BSBA/BSE/BSN/BSW core lists.
The core curriculum names the integration of faith and learning as a goal, and a Statement of Faith is published.
Sources (2)
1. The Union University Core | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/academic-program/the-union-university-core · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “In accordance with Union's emphasis on the integration of faith and learning, the core emphasizes knowledge of the Bible and the relation of Christian worldview to all the other subjects.”
  The core curriculum is described as integrating faith and learning, with Bible knowledge and Christian worldview across all subjects.
2. What We Believe | Union Universityuu.edu/about/what-we-believe · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “This Statement of Faith does not exhaust the extent of our beliefs.”
  Union publishes a Statement of Faith on its What We Believe page.
Ten GO Trips were listed for 2026-27, nine of them outside the United States.
Sources (1)
1. GO Trips | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith/go-trips · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “GO Trips, offered during spring break and May, provide opportunities to serve in ministry contexts such as church planting, campus outreach, orphan care, and community development.”
  GO Trips are offered over spring break and in May for ministry service in several contexts.
  “Engage college campuses to build relationships and share the gospel with university students across Nairobi.”
  Trips include cross-cultural ministry abroad, such as the Kenya trip.

Concerns

Chapel is held in a gymnasium while the new chapel is under construction.
Sources (1)
1. Faith & Worship | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
  “While our new chapel is under construction, chapel services will be held in Fred DeLay Gymnasium in the Penick Academic Complex.”
  Chapel services are held in Fred DeLay Gymnasium while the new chapel is under construction.

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

University Ministries and Chapel

Address: 1050 Union University Dr., Jackson, TN 38305
Location: On campus
Facilities: Fred DeLay Gymnasium (chapel services while the new chapel is under construction)

View on map ↗

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

Campus ministry

Sources (3)

Student Life | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“The Office of University Ministries encompasses the work of Chapel, Church Relations, Missionary-in-Residence program, and employee pastoral care.”
The Office of University Ministries oversees chapel, church relations and pastoral care for the university community.
Faith & Worship | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/faith · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Twice a week, the Union community gathers for chapel — one of the most distinctive rhythms of life on campus.”
Chapel is held twice a week for the university community.
Student Discipleship & Engagement | Union Universityuu.edu/student-life/student-discipleship-and-engagement · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Julie Bradfield Director for Student Discipleship and Engagement”
Julie Bradfield is Director for Student Discipleship and Engagement.
“Life Groups are student-led discipleship groups for new students.”
Life Groups are student-led discipleship groups for new students.

Christian clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 1 off campus, 5 location not published

Service 1

GO TripsOff campus
Spring break and May
Team trips that serve alongside ministry partners in church planting, campus outreach, orphan care and community development.
uu.edu

Faith formation 2

Bridges for Women
Mondays, 5 to 7 p.m. (invitation only)
Conversation groups for women, led by a faculty member, staff member or biblical community leader, that meet in fall and spring semesters.
uu.edu
Journey Groups
Student-led discipleship groups that engage Scripture, prayer, accountability and encouragement.
uu.edu

Clubs and groups 3

Life Groups
Weekly, for new students
Student-led small groups for new students that read through a book of the Bible together each week.
uu.edu
Delight
Thursday nights in the Bowld
Christ-centered community for college women, with a staff advisor.
uu.edu
FCA Huddle
Sunday nights, September through the year
Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting for athletes.
uu.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

Wednesday, Friday10:00 AMUnion chapel (Fred DeLay Gymnasium while the new chapel is under construction) · 2026-27 catalog: Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. attendance required. The semester schedule is posted on the chapel events page.

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)

Student Life | 2026-27 Undergraduate Catalogueuu.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2026/2026-27-undergraduate-catalogue/student-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
“Because we are a Christian community and chapel services are integral to the educational experience, attendance is required. Services are held on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Traditional undergraduate students who are enrolled in 12 or more hours must attend 14 chapel services each semester.”
Chapel attendance is required: 14 services a semester for traditional undergraduates taking 12 or more hours. Services are Wednesday and Friday at 10 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	$25,839
$30,001–$48,000	$26,181
$48,001–$75,000	$23,891
$75,001–$110,000	$27,841
Over $110,000	$30,373

Full cost of attendance before aid: $58,363 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)	1,891
Men and women College Scorecard, fall 2023	Men 37% · Women 63%
First-generation students College Scorecard	33%
First-year students from another state IPEDS, fall 2023	28%
Total students	2,674
Average net price (per year) After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid	$27,171
Cost of attendance (per year)	$58,363
Median federal debt at graduation	$20,714
Graduation rate First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time	66%
Graduation rate for Pell grant recipients College Scorecard, within 6 years	56%
Graduation rate for first-generation students College Scorecard, within 6 years	57%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years College Scorecard, within 3 years	66%
First-year retention	89%
Median earnings 10 years after entry	$53,990
Admission rate	60%
Application fee IPEDS, 2023–24	$35
Typical rent HUD fair market rent, FY2026	About $960 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants	25%

Admitted students’ middle range:SAT 1160–1390ACT 22–30

Admission test scores (middle 50% of admitted students who submitted scores)
Average SAT	1256
SAT reading & writing	600–710
SAT math	560–680
ACT composite	22–30
Test policy	Considered but not required

Value index: 61 / 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	$72,824
Business administration	$63,234
Marketing	$57,184
Social work	$46,286
Psychology	$44,056
Liberal arts	$41,226

Also offered (no earnings published yet): Accounting, Allied health, Arts management, Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians, Bible/Biblical Studies, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany/Plant Biology, Business (general), Chemistry, Clinical and counseling psychology, Clinical laboratory science, Communication studies, Computer science, Computing and information science, Criminology, Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis, Ecology and evolutionary biology, Economics, Electrical engineering, Electrical engineering technology, English, Entrepreneurship, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Film and video, Finance, Fine arts, History, Information technology, Interdisciplinary studies, International business, Journalism, Kinesiology and exercise science, Linguistics, Mathematics, Mechanical engineering, Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology, Music, Other philosophy and religious studies, Pastoral counseling, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration, Physical Sciences, Physics, Political science, Public relations, Rehabilitation and therapy, Religious Institution Administration and Law, Religious Music and Worship, Religious studies, Romance languages, Secondary education, Security science, Sociology, Software and media applications, Special education, Teacher education, Teaching English as a second language, Theatre, Zoology/Animal Biology.

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	32%
Business	16%
Biology	6%
Visual and performing arts	6%
Communication	5%

Campus facts

School colors
Setting	City
Part-time undergraduates	13%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older	18%
On-campus room and board (per year)	$12,780
Sports	NCAA Division II · Gulf South Conference
Study abroad	Offered
Students per faculty member	9 to 1
Undergraduates registered with the disability office	About 11%IPEDS, 2023–24
Faculty who are full-time	99%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student	$25,182IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm space	For about 68% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline service	Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM)About 77 miles away
Nearest major airport	Nashville International Airport (BNA)About 126 miles away
Town population	68,435Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or more	MemphisAbout 74 miles away
Typical weather	38°F in January · 80°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Jackson 4 NE, TN, about 3 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	0.46	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

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Questions families ask

Is Union University a Christian college?: Yes. Union University is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Tennessee Baptist Convention.
What is Union University’s Compass Score?: 82 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is chapel held at Union University?: Chapel is listed at Union chapel (Fred DeLay Gymnasium while the new chapel is under construction). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the college’s spiritual life office before you go.
Is Union University Compass Recommended?: Yes. Union University meets the Compass Recommended standard for Christian identity and academics.

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About this school’s data

IPEDS unit ID 221971
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): Southern Baptist
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