Campus Vibe
Known for psychology — close-knit campus
Johnson University is a private institution in Knoxville with particular strength in psychology and business. With an average SAT of 1072, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 703 undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The rural location provides a peaceful, focused academic environment.
62% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $40,596 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,303.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Johnson 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.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1072
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
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
43.5%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$13,500
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 (64)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
74%
- •74% 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
History & Fun Facts
- •Find sources: "Johnson University" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (May 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) Johnson University was established in 1893 by Ashley S Johnson.
- •In 1909, following a student petition to honor the founder, the institution was renamed Johnson Bible College.
- •This title endured until July 1, 2011, when the college transitioned to Johnson University.
- •Johnson at Bearden Christian Church in 1892, proposing a college-level institution dedicated to the gospels.
- •Guests embarked on a steamboat journey from Knoxville in May 1893 to witness the laying of the cornerstone for the Main Building, completed in 1895 with a distinctive five-story square tower.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average