Lipscomb University logo

Lipscomb University

Accept Rate
66.64%
Grad Rate
69.1%
Enrollment
3,021
Avg SAT
1248
Tuition
$38,824
Median Salary
$55,541
Overall Grade
C
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Lipscomb University offers a close-knit, faith-based community where students feel known and supported, with a campus that blends historic Southern architecture with modern facilities. There's a palpable sense of purpose and service woven into daily life, making it feel both academically rigorous and personally grounded.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

66.64%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 124875th Pctl
11451350
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2675th Pctl
2229
1122436

Admissions Tips

Demonstrate a genuine connection to Lipscomb's Christian mission through your essays and extracurriculars; they value character and service as much as academics. Since the acceptance rate is moderate but not guaranteed, aim for an SAT score above 1248 and a strong GPA to be a competitive applicant, and definitely schedule an in-person or virtual interview to show your interest.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1248
40080012001600
School range: 1145โ€“1350

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university is strong in professional and pre-professional programs, particularly in business, healthcare, and education, with robust partnerships with Nashville's medical and corporate sectors. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors who are accessible mentors, and while research opportunities exist, they are often more applied and project-based than at large research institutions.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
21.6%
Visual & Performing Arts
13%
Biology & Biomedical
10%
Health Professions
9.5%
Psychology
6.9%
Engineering
6.3%
Education
4.1%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
3%
Computer Science
2.9%
Communications
2.7%
English & Literature
2.4%
Legal Studies
2.4%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

69.1%
Graduation Rate
85.9%
Retention Rate
3,021
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$38,824
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$25,610
After financial aid
Total Cost
$53,549
Cost of attendance/year
21.2%
Receive Pell Grants
33.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Nashville-Davidson

Nashville is a vibrant playground for students, offering endless live music, internships in the booming healthcare and music industries, and a diverse food scene. On weekends, students explore neighborhoods like The Gulch or East Nashville, hike at nearby Radnor Lake, or cheer on the university's Division I athletic teams.

Local Rent Check

$1,442 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Nashville-Davidson
Explore Nashville-Davidson

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$155,296
$0Est. 4 Years: $155,296

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,541):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, established neighborhood of Nashville and maintains its own campus police force with good lighting and emergency systems. While the surrounding city has typical urban crime, the immediate university area is considered very secure for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Prime location in Nashville provides unmatched internship and entertainment opportunities.
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and faith-based support system.
  • โœ“ Division I athletics and active campus life.
  • โœ“ Graduate outcomes in a thriving local job market.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high compared to public in-state options.
  • โœ— Campus culture may feel restrictive for students not seeking a faith-integrated education.
  • โœ— Nashville's growing popularity has increased the cost of living off-campus.

Notable Alumni

John Rich
Country music superstar and member of Big & Rich, Grammy-winning artist.
Candace Cameron Bure
Actress known for 'Full House' and 'Fuller House,' and executive at Great American Family.
Shane McAnally
Award-winning songwriter and record producer in Nashville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lipscomb is known for its strong integration of Christian faith with academics, particularly in its College of Business, College of Health Sciences, and School of Education. It is also recognized for its location in Nashville, offering students direct access to internships in the city's booming industries, and for its competitive Division I athletics.

Lipscomb has an acceptance rate of 66.64%, making it moderately selective. While not as competitive as elite private universities, it still looks for students with a solid academic profile. The average SAT score is 1248, and a strong GPA, along with a demonstrated fit with the university's mission, will strengthen an application.

Campus life is community-focused and active, with a strong emphasis on student involvement in clubs, service, and NCAA Division I athletics. The university's faith-based identity shapes a culture of support and purpose, and its urban Nashville setting means students can easily enjoy city life while having a close-knit campus to call home.

For students seeking a faith-integrated education with strong professional programs and a Nashville network, Lipscomb can be a worthwhile investment. The average net price of $25,610 is lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median earnings of $55,541, combined with Nashville's job market, suggest a solid return on investment for many graduates.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

HCA Healthcare Nissan North America Amazon Vanderbilt University Medical Center Sony Music Nashville
Smart Start Score
64

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 3,508
  • In-State Tuition $38,824
  • Zip Code 37204

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38.6% โ™€ 61.4%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $25,610, Lipscomb is less expensive than many private universities but still a significant investment. The 10-year median earnings of $55,541 suggest a solid return, especially for graduates entering Nashville's strong job market in healthcare, business, and music.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Calvin University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $38,824
Housing (12 mo) $17,304
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $63,328
With avg financial aid:
$25,610/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.