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Welch College

Christian college

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

Welch College

Gallatin, TN · Private nonprofit · 4-year · Free Will Baptist churches · Baptist

Real cost

Average price after aid $25,263 a year

Median debt at graduation: $19,500 (all students)

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

Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee is a Christian college that exists primarily to serve Free Will Baptist churches. Its published schedule includes daily chapel Monday through Friday at 10:05 AM, a weekly Wednesday night campus church service, and a Bible survey sequence that every bachelor's program lists. Its public pages describe a Christian worldview course sequence, required Christian service, and student groups such as SpirituaLife Groups.

Faith life at a glance

A week at Welch College

  1. MonToday

    • 10:05AMChapel

  2. TueToday

    • 10:05AMChapel

  3. WedToday

    • 10:05AMChapel

  4. ThuToday

    • 10:05AMChapel

  5. FriToday

    • 10:05AMChapel

  6. SatToday

    No set time

  7. SunToday

    No set time

No set time: Sat, Sun

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

In the college’s own words

  • “For nearly a century, Welch College has been training missionaries to serve Christ in the United States and around the world.”

    Source: welch.edu

  • “To give you opportunities to practice what you are learning in the classroom, we intentionally partner with local organizations to feed the homeless, mentor kids, and meet other needs in the community.”

    Source: welch.edu

Questions students ask

Do I have to go to chapel?

Students are required to attend daily chapel at 10:05 a.m., Monday through Friday.

Source: welch.edu
What's a normal week?

Wednesday night services emphasize student involvement, and dorm students join SpirituaLife Groups on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Source: welch.edu
Where do I find community?

The GMF sponsors Prayer Band daily to develop a praying interest and knowledge of worldwide missions.

Source: welch.edu
Can I serve or go on mission trips?

The Christian Service Department oversees required service that complements classroom learning.

Source: welch.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

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
60 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduation rate 35% of scoreThis measure counts for 35% of the Academic Excellence score.53%
  • First-year retention 20% of scoreThis measure counts for 20% of the Academic Excellence score.61%
  • Entering students' test scores 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.Not reported
  • Student-to-faculty ratio 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.8 to 1
  • Instructional spending per student 15% of scoreThis measure counts for 15% of the Academic Excellence score.$6,852

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.

BWorship and chapel: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Worship and chapel

84 of 100 points · 7 of 7 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Chapel services during the week3 or more a week (Chapel Monday through Friday, 10:05 AM.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Life at Welch College includes daily chapel and special meetings Monday-Friday, at 10:05 in the morning.”
      Chapel is held on weekdays at 10:05 AM.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Chapel attendance expected of studentsEncouraged or partly required (Students are required to attend.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Students are required to attend these services.”
      Chapel attendance is required of students.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Student worship nights or praise servicesEvery week (Campus Church services every Wednesday night.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Meeting every Wednesday night in the Memorial Auditorium, these services emphasize student involvement.”
      Campus Church services are held every Wednesday night in Memorial Auditorium.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Prayer opportunities (prayer rooms, prayer groups, days or weeks of prayer)Daily or always open (Global Missions Fellowship sponsors a daily Prayer Band.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “GMF sponsors Prayer Band daily to develop a praying interest and knowledge of worldwide missions.”
      The Global Missions Fellowship sponsors a daily prayer band.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus pastors or chaplains serving studentsPart-time (The campus pastor is also a faculty member and program coordinator; the page does not present the role as full-time.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dr. Christopher Talbot Assistant Professor of Ministry and Apologetics | Program Coordinator, Youth and Family Ministry | Campus Pastor ctalbot@welch.edu 615-675-5289”
      Dr. Christopher Talbot is listed as campus pastor, with contact details.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    A chapel or worship space on campusYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Life at Welch College includes daily chapel and special meetings Monday-Friday, at 10:05 in the morning.”
      Chapel is held on weekdays at 10:05 AM.
      “Meeting every Wednesday night in the Memorial Auditorium, these services emphasize student involvement.”
      Campus Church services are held every Wednesday night in Memorial Auditorium.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Published weekly schedule of chapel, worship and prayer5 or 6 times a week (5 weekly times documented: 5 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).
ABible and theology: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Bible and theology

100 of 100 points · 4 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible or theology courses required of all bachelor's students3 or more courses (The Bible Survey sequence (BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062) is listed in every bachelor's program read, plus BIB 1100, BIB 1250 and Christian Doctrines (THE 3101) in the theology core of several programs. Counted as the minimum listed for all day programs.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Pastoral Ministry | Welch Collegewelch.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-programs/school-of-theology/pastoral-ministry-degree · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10”
      The Bible Survey sequence is required in the pastoral ministry program's core.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Required courses include study of the Old and New TestamentsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Christian worldview or faith-and-learning courses required2 courses (Christianity, Culture, and Worldview (IDS courses): two numbered courses in the arts and sciences core of English and other programs, three in the theology-based programs. Counted at the minimum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. English | Welch Collegewelch.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-programs/department-of-arts-and-sciences/english · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “IDS 1911, 3902. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6”
      Christianity, Culture, and Worldview is a two-course requirement in the English arts and sciences core.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in academic or faculty policy)Yes (The college's stated purpose describes a Christian worldview integrating the entire curriculum.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Beliefs, Mission, and Purpose | Welch Collegewelch.edu/about/beliefs-mission-and-purpose · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Welch College exists primarily to meet the educational needs of Free Will Baptist churches.”
      The college exists primarily to serve Free Will Baptist churches.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Bible, theology or ministry major offeredYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Theological Studies | Welch Collegewelch.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-programs/school-of-theology/theological-studies · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Bachelor’s Degree in Theological Studies”
      A bachelor's degree in theological studies is offered.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    A published statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
BChristian community: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Christian community

72 of 100 points · 5 of 7 found

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Spiritual life staff (pastors, ministers and professional staff)1 to 2 (One named campus pastor in spiritual life. Residence and student-life directors are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dr. Christopher Talbot Assistant Professor of Ministry and Apologetics | Program Coordinator, Youth and Family Ministry | Campus Pastor ctalbot@welch.edu 615-675-5289”
      Dr. Christopher Talbot is listed as campus pastor, with contact details.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Retreats or spiritual emphasis weeks each yearSeveral (Days of Prayer each semester, FORUM Bible Conference each spring, and student-led revivals.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “One unique characteristic of Welch College is an administration, faculty, staff, and student body that sets aside other activities one day each semester to pray.”
      A day of prayer is held each semester.
      “Every spring Welch College presents focused and impactful plenary assemblies, breakout sessions, hands-on workshops, and worship services”
      The FORUM Bible Conference is held every spring.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Bible studies, small groups and Christian student organizationsA few
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dorm students are assigned to SpirituaLife Groups, which meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings.”
      Dorm students meet in SpirituaLife small groups on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
      “GMF sponsors Prayer Band daily to develop a praying interest and knowledge of worldwide missions.”
      The Global Missions Fellowship sponsors a daily prayer band.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faculty affirm the college's statement of faithNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith life in residence halls (hall Bible studies, resident ministry leaders)In every hall (All dorm students are assigned to SpirituaLife Groups.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Dorm students are assigned to SpirituaLife Groups, which meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings.”
      Dorm students meet in SpirituaLife small groups on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Help finding a local church (church fairs, rides, partner churches)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Office or senior leader for spiritual life or Christian missionYes (The Student Services office states that it dedicates itself to the spiritual formation of students.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Student Services | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life/student-services · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “That’s why we dedicate ourselves to the spiritual formation of our students.”
      The Student Services office states it works toward the spiritual formation of students.
BMissions and service: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Missions and service

78 of 100 points · 6 of 6 found

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service or outreach officeYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Beliefs, Mission, and Purpose | Welch Collegewelch.edu/about/beliefs-mission-and-purpose · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian Service Department oversees required service opportunities that complement and strengthen classroom learning.”
      A service department oversees required service opportunities tied to classroom learning.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service hours or service-learning in the curriculumRequired of all students (The Christian Service Department oversees required service opportunities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Beliefs, Mission, and Purpose | Welch Collegewelch.edu/about/beliefs-mission-and-purpose · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian Service Department oversees required service opportunities that complement and strengthen classroom learning.”
      A service department oversees required service opportunities tied to classroom learning.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Missions trips offered to studentsSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Intercultural Studies | Welch Collegewelch.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-programs/school-of-theology/intercultural-studies-missions-degree · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “To give you opportunities to practice what you are learning in the classroom, we intentionally partner with local organizations to feed the homeless, mentor kids, and meet other needs in the community.”
      The college partners with local organizations for service and offers missions opportunities each year.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Partnerships with local churches and ministries for serviceSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Intercultural Studies | Welch Collegewelch.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-programs/school-of-theology/intercultural-studies-missions-degree · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “To give you opportunities to practice what you are learning in the classroom, we intentionally partner with local organizations to feed the homeless, mentor kids, and meet other needs in the community.”
      The college partners with local organizations for service and offers missions opportunities each year.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Cross-cultural or global ministry programsSome
    Sources (1)
    1. Intercultural Studies | Welch Collegewelch.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-programs/school-of-theology/intercultural-studies-missions-degree · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For nearly a century, Welch College has been training missionaries to serve Christ in the United States and around the world.”
      The college trains missionaries for service in the United States and abroad.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Service explicitly rooted in the Christian missionYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Intercultural Studies | Welch Collegewelch.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-programs/school-of-theology/intercultural-studies-missions-degree · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “For nearly a century, Welch College has been training missionaries to serve Christ in the United States and around the world.”
      The college trains missionaries for service in the United States and abroad.

Strengths

  • Chapel is held every weekday at 10:05 AM, and students are required to attend.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Life at Welch College includes daily chapel and special meetings Monday-Friday, at 10:05 in the morning.”
      Chapel is held on weekdays at 10:05 AM.
      “Students are required to attend these services.”
      Chapel attendance is required of students.
  • Christian service is a required part of the program, overseen by a Christian Service Department.
    Sources (1)
    1. Beliefs, Mission, and Purpose | Welch Collegewelch.edu/about/beliefs-mission-and-purpose · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “The Christian Service Department oversees required service opportunities that complement and strengthen classroom learning.”
      A service department oversees required service opportunities tied to classroom learning.
  • The Bible survey sequence is listed in every bachelor's program read.
    Sources (1)
    1. Pastoral Ministry | Welch Collegewelch.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-programs/school-of-theology/pastoral-ministry-degree · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10”
      The Bible Survey sequence is required in the pastoral ministry program's core.

Concerns

  • The college says it subscribes to them.
    Sources (1)
    1. Beliefs, Mission, and Purpose | Welch Collegewelch.edu/about/beliefs-mission-and-purpose · verified Oct. 20, 2026
      “Welch College exists primarily to meet the educational needs of Free Will Baptist churches.”
      The college exists primarily to serve Free Will Baptist churches.

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

Welch College Campus Life and Campus Church

  • Address: 1045 Bison Trail, Gallatin, TN 37066
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: auditorium

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

Campus ministry

Sources (1)
  1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Meeting every Wednesday night in the Memorial Auditorium, these services emphasize student involvement.”
    Campus Church services are held every Wednesday night in Memorial Auditorium.
    “Dr. Christopher Talbot Assistant Professor of Ministry and Apologetics | Program Coordinator, Youth and Family Ministry | Campus Pastor ctalbot@welch.edu 615-675-5289”
    Dr. Christopher Talbot is listed as campus pastor, with contact details.

Christian clubs and student life

5 groups and regular activities · 5 on campus, 0 off campus

Faith formation 3

  • SpirituaLife GroupsOn campus
    Tuesday and Thursday evenings
    Small groups for dorm students that meet for prayer, devotions and support.
    welch.edu
  • Global Missions Fellowship Prayer BandOn campus
    Daily
    Daily prayer band sponsored by the Global Missions Fellowship student organization.
    welch.edu
  • FORUM Bible ConferenceOn campus
    Every spring
    Plenary assemblies, workshops and worship services for students and church leaders.
    welch.edu

Worship and prayer 1

  • Campus ChurchOn campus
    Wednesday nights
    Student-involved worship services for dorm students in Memorial Auditorium.
    welch.edu

Retreats 1

  • Days of PrayerOn campus
    One day each semester
    A day set aside each semester for the whole college to pray.
    welch.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

  • Monday–Friday10:05 AM · Daily chapel and special meetings, as published on the Campus Life 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)
  1. Campus Life & Community | Welch Collegewelch.edu/campus-life · verified Oct. 20, 2026
    “Life at Welch College includes daily chapel and special meetings Monday-Friday, at 10:05 in the morning.”
    Chapel is held on weekdays at 10:05 AM.

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.

Family incomePrice after aid
Up to $30,000$25,590
$30,001–$48,000$18,289
$48,001–$75,000$23,219
$75,001–$110,000$26,783
Over $110,000$27,512

Full cost of attendance before aid: $37,072 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.

Undergraduate students
Fall enrollment (IPEDS)
358
Men and women
College Scorecard, fall 2023
Men 52% · Women 48%
Total students389
Average net price (per year)
After grants and scholarships, for students receiving federal aid
$25,263
Cost of attendance (per year)$37,072
Median federal debt at graduation$19,500
Graduation rate
First-time, full-time students finishing within 150% of normal time
53%
Graduation rate for first-generation students
College Scorecard, within 6 years
30%
Borrowers paying down their loans within 3 years
College Scorecard, within 3 years
56%
First-year retention61%
Median earnings 10 years after entry$42,198
Application fee
IPEDS, 2023–24
No application fee
Typical rent
HUD fair market rent, FY2026
About $1,578 a month for a one-bedroom
Students receiving Pell grants28%

Value index: 44 / 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.

What students study most

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

FieldShare of degrees
Theology and religious studies22%
Business22%
Psychology17%
Parks, recreation and fitness15%
Education12%

Campus facts

School colors
SettingSuburb
Part-time undergraduates25%
Undergraduates aged 25 and older17%
On-campus room and board (per year)$8,668
ROTCArmy · Air Force
Students per faculty member8 to 1
Faculty who are full-time50%College Scorecard, fall 2023
Endowment per student$16,129IPEDS, 2023, per student
Dorm spaceFor about 66% of studentsBeds per undergraduate; not who lives on campus
Nearest airport with airline serviceNashville International Airport (BNA)About 18 miles away · about 45 minutes by car
Town population48,532Census, 2020–2024
Nearest city of 250,000 people or moreNashville-DavidsonAbout 19 miles away · about 35 minutes by car
Typical weather37°F in January · 79°F in JulyNOAA, 1991–2020, from Old Hickory Dam, TN, about 8 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.

CategoryThis campusU.S. rate
Rape0.000.07
Robbery0.000.01
Aggravated assault0.000.04
Burglary0.000.08
Motor vehicle theft0.000.15

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 Welch College a Christian college?
Yes. Welch College is a Christian college. Its sponsor is Free Will Baptist churches.
What is Welch College’s Compass Score?
78 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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About this school’s data
  • IPEDS unit ID 220206
  • Carnegie classification: Baccalaureate college (diverse fields)
  • Accreditation: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on 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): Free Will Baptist Church
  • Report an error or a newer source
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