Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
Jarvis Christian University is a private institution in Hawkins with particular strength in business and biology.
A small campus of 730 undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
15% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $32,992 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $10,409.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Jarvis Christian University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
51.6%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$12,000
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
4
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (24)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
49%
- •49% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Bulldogs
History & Fun Facts
- •Jarvis opened its doors as Jarvis Christian Institute, modeled after the Southern Christian Institute located west of Jackson in Edwards, Mississippi.
- •Jarvis is the only historically black college which remains of the twelve founded by the Disciples of Christ Church.
- •Jarvis' first students were educated in the remains of an old logging camp and later in a cabin which became the school's first multi-purpose building.
- •Ervin Religion and Culture Center at Jarvis Christian University; James Nelson Ervin was the first JCU president, with service from 1914 to 1938.
- •Thomas Buchanan Frost came to the school as superintendent in 1912.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average