Lipscomb University
Lipscomb University is a private nonprofit university in Nashville, TN ranked #535 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 3,021 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 66.6%. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Accounting and Related Services.
Academically, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 85.9% first-year retention, and 68.7% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $25,610, about $8,612 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -50.7%, roughly 136.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,454. That's about $6,766 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Lipscomb University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Lipscomb University graduates 68.7% of students within six years and keeps 85.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C+ compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Lipscomb University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $38,824 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,650 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,804 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,400 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $53,549 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 21.2% of Lipscomb University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $21,886 to $30,873 depending on family income. Use Lipscomb University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $26,322/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,873/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,454
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,454
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,350
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 69.0%
- Employment Rate 88.0%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Lipscomb University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Lipscomb University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Lipscomb University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Lipscomb University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Lipscomb University graduates earn $50,454 median, the -50.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 580-680
- SAT Math 565-670
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 22-29
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,021
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 85.9%
- Graduation Rate 68.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Lipscomb University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Lipscomb University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 66.6%, Lipscomb University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 66.6% acceptance rate, Lipscomb University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1145 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Lipscomb University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Biology, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.0%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 5.8%
- Biology, General 5.6%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.9%
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness 4.8%
- Psychology, General 4.5%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.4%
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations $81,972
- 2. Accounting and Related Services $79,655
- 3. Biology, General $76,487
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $69,023
- 5. Mechanical Engineering $67,725
- 6. Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $66,804
- 7. Human Resources Management and Services $63,033
- 8. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General $61,152
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas $48,508
- 10. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $47,528
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree) $142,488
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $103,294
- 3. Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree) $100,054
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $90,346
- 5. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $76,220
- 6. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $66,833
- 7. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $60,844
- 8. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $60,811
- 9. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $60,728
- 10. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (Master's Degree) $56,696
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $81,972—72% more than Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($47,528). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $142,488 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Lipscomb University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 106 graduates)
- Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree, 80 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 78 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 77 graduates)
- Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree, 75 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (63 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Marketing
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Work
- Music
- Design and Applied Arts
- Communication and Media Studies
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Applied Mathematics
- Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Journalism
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- History
- Special Education and Teaching
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Political Science and Government
- Physics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Philosophy
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Chemistry
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Area Studies
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Sustainability Studies
- Public Administration
- Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
- Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, General
- Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
- Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Hospitality Administration/Management
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- English Language and Literature, General
Online Master's Degrees (26 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Accounting and Related Services
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Public Administration
- Computer Engineering
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Psychology, General
- Archeology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Doctoral Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Archeology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (12 programs)â–¼
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Medical Illustration and Informatics
- Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Special Education and Teaching
- Educational Administration and Supervision
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Computer Engineering
- Accounting and Related Services
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,021
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 38.6%
- Female Students 61.4%
- Caucasian 68.0%
- Asian 3.3%
- Hispanic 11.8%
- Black 7.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 21.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Lipscomb University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Lipscomb University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lipscomb University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lipscomb University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Women make up 61.4% of undergraduates. About 21.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Lipscomb University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Lipscomb University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Lipscomb University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -50.7% ROI. Ranked #535 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $25,610 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $50,454 median earnings. With 68.7% graduating within six years and 85.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Lipscomb University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #535 ranking, Lipscomb University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $25,610 annually, Lipscomb University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 85.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,927 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -50.7% ROI and $50,454 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $15,610+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Lipscomb University ranks #535 of 6272 institutions, with 1092 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 68.7% six-year graduation rate sits 6.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 85.9% first-year retention is 9.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -50.7% return on investment is 136.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,454 run about 15% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $25,610 is roughly $8,492 higher than the national median of $17,118.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 85.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.0% employment rate within three years sits 19.8 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $25,610 is about $8,492 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 21.2% trails the national share by 17.6 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Lipscomb University is a private nonprofit university based in Nashville, TN and earns a B+ overall grade. It appears at #535 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (A-), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (C+).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 85.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 68.7% finish within six years. Return on investment currently measures -50.7% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $25,610 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $53,549.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $27,939 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,350 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 21.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $50,454 six years after enrollment. That sits about 15% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 88.0% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -50.7%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
66.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Lipscomb University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Nashville, TN 37204-3951
- Website www.lipscomb.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$102.5M