Lipscomb University was founded in 1891 by David Lipscomb and James A. Harding. The campus grounds consist predominantly of the former estate of David Lipscomb, who donated it to the school. The school was always intended to function as a Christian liberal arts institution. It is still affiliated with the Churches of Christ and a seminary is part of the university
Several prominent Church of Christ ministers received at least a portion of their higher education here (see Notable alumni below). The university remains thoroughly affiliated in the Churches of Christ: Potential full-time, undergraduate faculty must prove their membership in a Church of Christ before being hired.
Its original name was the Nashville Bible School, which was changed to David Lipscomb College, then to David Lipscomb University. Lipscomb graduated its first senior class in 1948, leaving behind the name of junior college forever. In 1954, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools granted Lipscomb its first accreditation. In 1988, Lipscomb attained Level III (master's degree-granting) status and became known as David Lipscomb University.
All full-time, undergraduate students are required to take Bible classes and attend chapel twice a week. (Half of these chapels are now held in the sports facility Allen Arena, and half are "break-out" sessions that are held in multiple places on the same schedule.)
The university operates an on-campus high school and middle school as part of its training of teachers and research programs. The associated elementary school moved to a renovated former public school a few blocks away in 1986. All three form Lipscomb Academy, offering Pre-kindergarten through high school education.
Our Mission
Lipscomb University is a private coeducational institution whose principal focus is undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, combined with a number of undergraduate professional and pre-professional fields, and master's and doctoral degree programs. Its primary mission is to integrate Christian faith and practice with academic excellence. This mission is carried out not only in the classroom and online studies but also by involvement in numerous services to the church and the larger community.
At Lipscomb
- We believe that as knowledge grows in use, it also grows in value.
- With the lessons of our classrooms, we work in the world.
- With the certainty of our faith, we serve the good of all.
- With the experiences of our past, we plan for the future.
- We believe that when you know your gifts, your God, and your direction, you confidently welcome what comes next.
What to Expect
You will be part of a campus recognized as much for its quality as its generosity, with programs that propel your imagination as much as your career, technologies that transcend boundaries as they build communities, faculty whose curiosity is matched only by their compassion, and students like yourself whose characters are as deep as their faith.
Lipscomb University has been recognized as one of the nation’s top colleges as it has been named one of “America’s Best Colleges” by Forbes.
Forbes, a global media company, ranks the top 500 colleges and universities nationwide in its annual list. According to an article that accompanied this year’s list, the rankings are based on return on investment, average student debt levels and outcomes for graduates. The rankings also reflect factors like enrollment and outcomes for low-income students.
“Being named to Forbes’ list of America’s Best Colleges is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students who make Lipscomb such a vibrant and impactful community,” said Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “This recognition affirms our commitment to providing a transformative education rooted in Christian values and preparing our students for lives of purpose and service.”
This national ranking comes one week after the university set enrollment records with the largest first-day total enrollment in school history along with the largest class of new freshmen for the third consecutive year, a 16% increase in new graduate students over this time last year and a record first-day freshman-to-sophomore retention rate.
Other national accolades this year include:
- The College of Education was ranked among the top teacher preparation programs in Tennessee for the 13th consecutive year.
- The College of Business was named one of the top 50 undergraduate business programs in the country by Poets&Quants for Undergrads for the ninth year in a row.
- Lipscomb ranked #13 Best Christian University in the nation by Niche.
- The university made its debut on the Wall Street Journal’s Best Colleges in the U.S. list.
- Lipscomb was named one of the 2024 Great Colleges to Work For. Lipscomb is one of only 75 universities in the nation achieving this recognition, with only 2% of institutions across the country having this prestigious designation.
- Lipscomb’s Honors College was named an ACTA “Hidden Gem.”
- The animation program was recognized as the top in Tennessee and #13 in the nation.
- And most recently, Lipscomb was named a 2025-26 College of Distinction, a designation for institutions that demonstrate engaged teaching and student outcomes.
