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Private nonprofit, 4-year

King University

Bristol, Tennessee · www.king.edu

中文

Acceptance rate

99.7%

2025

Peer median 77.9%

Tuition per year

$20,397

$31,277 with room and board

Peer median $34,392

Undergraduates

964

Student-faculty ratio 11:1

Peer median 13 : 1

Graduation rate

41.5%

4-year; 6-year rate 46.8%

Peer median 44.6%

“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

King University, located in Bristol, Tennessee, is a private Christian university known for its commitment to academic excellence and a holistic approach to education. The university was founded in 1867 and has a rich history of serving students from diverse backgrounds. One of the distinguishing features of King University is its emphasis on integrating faith and learning, which is reflected in its mission statement. The school aims to provide a supportive environment where students can grow intellectually, spiritually, and socially, preparing them for meaningful careers and lives of service.

The campus culture at King University is vibrant and engaging, promoting a strong sense of community among students. With a variety of student organizations, athletics, and extracurricular activities, students have ample opportunities to develop leadership skills and form lasting friendships. The university also boasts a dedicated faculty who are committed to student success, providing personalized attention and mentorship. King University offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including in-demand fields such as business, education, and healthcare. The school's commitment to experiential learning ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce, contributing to a strong employment rate among alumni. Overall, King University stands as a beacon of higher education in the region, fostering both academic and personal growth in its students.

Analysis of Key Trends at King University

King University, a private institution, has seen several notable trends in its data over the years, particularly concerning tuition, student enrollment, and graduation rates. Firstly, tuition costs for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have steadily increased from approximately $24,960 in 2014 to over $34,000 in 2024. This significant rise places added financial pressure on students and their families, making affordability a critical issue in higher education today.

On the enrollment front, the number of undergraduate students has shown a concerning decline, dropping from 2,191 in 2014 to just 1,120 in 2023. This decline may reflect broader trends in higher education where prospective students are increasingly cautious about the return on investment for their education, especially given the rising costs. The decrease in enrollment can also impact the university's finances and long-term viability, highlighting the need for strategic initiatives to attract and retain students.

Graduation rates have exhibited variability over the years. While the on-time graduation rate for students improved slightly to 41.7% in 2023, it still indicates that nearly 60% of students do not complete their degree within the expected timeframe. This statistic raises questions about student support systems and academic advising within the institution. A strong correlation exists between graduation rates and retention, which also declined to 68.1% in 2023 from higher rates in earlier years.

Overall, the trends at King University reflect challenges faced by many private institutions, including rising tuition, declining enrollment, and stagnant graduation rates. Addressing these issues will be essential for the university to enhance its appeal and ensure student success in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Knoxville, about 110 mi
Nearest international airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), about 120 mi
Bristol, Tennessee
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Presbyterian Church (USA)
President
Andrew Tooley (President)
Phone
4239681187
City
Bristol, Tennessee
Address
1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620-2699

Rankings & Admission

Acceptance rate (%)

Peer median 77.9% · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Acceptance rate by gender, 2025

Men
99.3%
Women
100.0%

In 2020: men 59.2%, women 63.9%.

Data insights

Analysis of King University's Admission Trends

The admission data from King University reflects a complex landscape of acceptance rates and enrollment patterns over the years. Notably, the male admission rate peaked at approximately 70.85% in 2013, while the female admission rate reached its highest at about 73.14% the same year. These figures suggest a relatively strong inclination towards accepting female applicants during that time.
However, a significant decline in acceptance rates is observed in 2016, where the male acceptance rate dropped to 47.68%, and the female acceptance rate fell to 41.96%. This dramatic decrease in acceptance rates could be indicative of a broader trend in higher education, where institutions face increasing applicant pools, leading to more competitive admissions processes. The number of applicants denied admission surged in 2017, reaching an alarming 778 denials, which highlights the challenges faced by prospective students seeking entry into the university.
Furthermore, the data indicates varying trends in enrollment numbers, which reached a peak of 227 in 2011 and has fluctuated since then. The number of deferrals also presents a noteworthy aspect of the admissions process, showing that a significant number of applicants are choosing to delay their entrance to the university, possibly due to external factors such as economic conditions or personal circumstances.
Overall, King University's admission statistics reveal a shifting environment that mirrors larger trends in higher education. Future applicants and stakeholders should pay attention to these patterns as they may have implications for both the university's strategic planning and prospective students' decisions.

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Undergraduate Rankings · 2027 edition

Nursing School#557▲13

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Test Scores

SAT/ACT not considered, even if submitted IPEDS (US Department of Education) has no recent SAT/ACT data for admitted students here. GPA, course rigor, essays and activities matter more.

Data insights

Trends in Admission Test Scores at King University

The data from King University over the years reveals notable trends in the submission of standardized test scores, particularly the SAT and ACT. The percentage of admitted students submitting SAT scores has varied significantly, with peaks and troughs reflecting changing applicant behaviors and possibly the evolving educational landscape. For instance, in 2007 and 2008, 50% of applicants submitted SAT scores, indicating a robust participation rate. However, by 2022 and 2023, this figure dropped dramatically to just 15%, highlighting a significant shift in admissions strategies or applicant choices, possibly influenced by the growing trend of test-optional policies across many universities.

In terms of scores, the data shows fluctuations in the score ranges for both the SAT and ACT. The 25th percentile scores for both reading and math sections of the SAT have remained relatively stable over the years, ranging from the low 400s to mid-500s, suggesting a consistent baseline of academic preparedness among admitted students. However, the upper range scores have shown some variability, reflecting the competitive nature of admissions.

Moreover, the ACT scores present a similar pattern, with the composite scores maintaining a range that indicates a solid level of academic ability among those admitted. As higher education institutions increasingly assess applicants holistically, including factors beyond standardized test scores, it will be interesting to observe how these trends evolve in future admissions cycles and the implications they have for student demographics and academic standards at King University.

How Hard Is It to Get In

about 10 in 10

725 applicants in 2025, 99.7% admitted

723 admitted 2 not admitted Yield 20.3%

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate10 international (0.0%)
Bachelor's25717 international (6.6%)
Master's1144 international (3.5%)
Doctoral10 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Bachelor's majors by graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
38
Business/Commerce, General
29
Social Work
28
Business Administration and Management, General
28
Elementary Education and Teaching
18
Psychology, General
18
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
13
Information Technology
12
International Relations and National Security Studies, Other
10
Exercise Science and Kinesiology
10

U.S. studentsInternational

Popular graduate programs

  • Business Administration and Management, General · Master's37 (11% international)
  • Family Practice Nurse/Nursing · Master's27 (0% international)
  • Social Work · Master's25 (0% international)
  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing · Master's9 (0% international)
  • Health/Health Care Administration/Management · Master's7 (0% international)
  • Pediatric Nurse/Nursing · Master's5 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at King University

The graduation data from King University for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends across various fields of study. Notably, the healthcare sector stands out prominently, particularly in Registered Nursing, where 67 individuals graduated with a bachelor's degree. This highlights the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, a trend that has been amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought to light the critical need for nurses and healthcare services.

Additionally, the data indicates that master's degrees in Nursing fields are also significant, with Family Practice Nursing and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing producing 42 and 13 graduates, respectively. This trend reflects the increasing specialization within nursing, as the profession evolves to meet the complexities of modern healthcare demands.

In the realm of business, while the number of bachelor's degrees awarded is relatively modest, the master's programs in Business Administration and Management produced 82 graduates. This suggests that professionals are increasingly pursuing advanced education to enhance their competencies and career prospects in a competitive job market.

The data also reveals a lack of diversity in international student graduation numbers, particularly in the fields of business and healthcare, where the international representation is minimal. This could indicate potential barriers for international students in these popular programs, or a need for universities to enhance global recruitment efforts.

Overall, the graduation data from King University underscores the importance of healthcare and advanced business education in today's economy, while also highlighting potential areas for improvement in international student engagement in these critical fields.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Businesshas 101 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Business/Commerce, General.$38,919
Business Administration and Management, General.$52,048-$55,908
Accounting.-
Health professionshas 97 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.$44,954
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$76,423-$89,399
Nursing Administration.$76,423-$89,399
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing.$76,423-$89,399
Pediatric Nurse/Nursing.$76,423-$89,399
Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse/Nursing.$76,423-$89,399
Nursing Practice.$76,423-$89,399
Public administrationhas 53 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Social Work.$40,984
Educationhas 22 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Curriculum and Instruction.-
Elementary Education and Teaching.$41,900
History Teacher Education.-
Parks, recreation, leisure has 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.-
Exercise Science and Kinesiology.-
Psychology has 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Psychology, General.$31,739
Biologyhas 13 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.-
Computer and information sciencehas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Information Technology.$55,047
Social sciencehas 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
International Relations and National Security Studies, Other.-
Homeland security has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.$37,651
History has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
History, General.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General.-
History and Political Science.-
Mathmatics and statistics has 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Mathematics, General.-
Physical scienceshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Chemistry, General.-
Physics, General.-
Visual and Performing artshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Digital Arts.-
Philosophy has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
Religion/Religious Studies.-
Liberal arts has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociateUnderMasterDoctor
General Studies.-

Students

1,157 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 41:59 · Freshman retention 60.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (964)

White
688 · 71.4%
Two or more races
67 · 7.0%
International
55 · 5.7%
Black
53 · 5.5%
Hispanic
46 · 4.8%
Unknown
43 · 4.5%
Asian
4 · 0.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
3.3%
18–19
20.7%
20–21
25.3%
22–24
21.9%
25 and over
28.7%

Graduate students

Under 22
1.0%
22–24
21.8%
25–29
22.3%
30–34
16.6%
35 and over
38.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at King University 2023

In 2023, King University exhibits an interesting demographic composition among its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 152, with a notable gender distribution where 44.7% are male and 55.3% are female. This trend of a higher female ratio continues among upperclassmen, where 63.3% of the 750 students are female, indicating a strong presence of women in undergraduate studies.

The transfer student population comprises 163 individuals, with a gender ratio skewed towards females at 68.1%. This consistent pattern across different classifications suggests a growing trend of female students pursuing higher education, which aligns with broader national trends where women increasingly outnumber men in college enrollment.

Graduate students also follow this trend, with 237 enrolled and a significant 74.7% being female. Such data may reflect changing societal norms where women are not only pursuing undergraduate degrees but also advancing to graduate studies at higher rates than their male counterparts.

Additionally, the racial composition highlights a majority of white students across all categories, although specific numbers are not fully disclosed for upperclassmen and graduate students. The data on diversity, particularly regarding underrepresented groups, is crucial as universities strive for inclusivity and representation within their academic communities.

Overall, King University’s demographic data points to a significant female majority across all student classifications, which could have implications for campus culture, support services, and academic programming in the future. These trends warrant further examination as they present opportunities and challenges for the institution moving forward.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at King University

The age distribution of students at King University reveals notable trends, particularly in the undergraduate and graduate divisions. The data shows a significant number of students aged 18-21, which is typical for many universities as this demographic often represents the traditional college age group. Specifically, 94 male undergraduates and 105 female undergraduates fall within the 18-19 age bracket, while 131 males and 169 females are in the 20-21 range. This strong representation of younger students indicates that King University is attracting a vibrant and youthful population, vital for fostering an engaging campus environment.

Moving to slightly older age groups, we see a decrease in enrollment. For students aged 22-24, 79 male undergraduates and 122 female undergraduates are present, alongside a handful of graduate students. This trend continues as we examine ages 25-29 and beyond; the numbers decline significantly. The data indicates a shift in the age profile, with fewer students enrolled as age increases. This could reflect the challenges of balancing education with career or family commitments that many face as they get older.

Moreover, the representation of students over the age of 40 is minimal, with only 19 males and 81 females recorded. This trend is consistent with broader educational patterns where older adults are less likely to pursue traditional degree programs.

Overall, King University showcases a predominantly young student body, which can enhance the social and academic dynamics on campus. However, the university may want to consider strategies to attract and retain older students, providing opportunities for lifelong learning and professional development.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Undergraduates5.7%

55 in 2025 · 3.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 3.1%2017: 3.2%2018: 2.6%2019: 2.9%2020: 2.8%2021: 2.2%2022: 3.0%2023: 3.9%2024: 4.8%2025: 5.7%
2016Peer median 2.6%2025
Graduate students6.7%

13 in 2025 · 0.9% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.9%2017: 1.5%2018: 1.1%2019: 0.8%2020: 2.0%2021: 1.9%2022: 4.3%2023: 1.7%2024: 2.3%2025: 6.7%
2016Peer median 2.2%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Data at King University

The data on international students at King University reveals a fluctuating trend over the years. From a modest beginning in 2004, where international undergraduates constituted only 1.46% of the total undergraduate population, there has been a gradual increase in both the absolute numbers and percentages of international students in the undergraduate segment, peaking at 4.03% in 2005 before experiencing some declines.

The graduate student data presents an even more complex picture. Initial years saw a significant presence of international students, with a notable 7.35% in 2005. However, numbers dwindled in subsequent years, reaching a low of 0.40% in 2008 for graduate programs. It is worth noting that the percentage of international graduate students continued to fluctuate, with a peak of 4.33% in 2022.

This variability could be attributed to a variety of factors, including changes in immigration policies, global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifts in the higher education landscape. For instance, the pandemic significantly impacted international student mobility, causing enrollment numbers to decline.

Moreover, King University’s efforts to attract international students may have been influenced by the overall competitiveness of U.S. higher education institutions in retaining and recruiting global talent. As schools adapt to these dynamics, a focus on enhancing support systems for international students will be crucial for sustaining and increasing these enrollment rates in the future.

In conclusion, while there has been progress in the representation of international students at King University, ongoing challenges must be addressed to ensure a stable and welcoming environment for students from abroad.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$31,277

Undergraduate tuition
$20,397
Room and board
$10,880
Graduate tuition
$16,073
Tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Tuition rose -23% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 33%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$29.4M

Tuition and fees
$14.0M47.6%
Gifts and private grants
$6.8M23.2%
Investment return
$4.8M16.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.3M11.3%
Government grants and contracts
$55K0.2%
Other
$422K1.4%

Expenses$27.1M

Instruction
$9.0M33.2%
Institutional support
$8.3M30.7%
Student services
$6.6M24.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.9M7.1%
Academic support
$1.3M4.8%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

All faculty
$47,118peers $68,006
Professor
$50,684peers $78,041
Associate professor
$48,472peers $70,202
Assistant professor
$46,334peers $63,827
Instructor
$40,950peers $55,171

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Other · Conference Carolinas

Conference Carolinas: basketball, baseball, cross country

2025
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Other Sports3659
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)5831
Soccer3925
Wrestling3623
Baseball48-
Basketball2515
Volleyball1419
Softball-24
Swimming1113
Golf126
Tennis35
2024
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Soccer4333
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)3336
Wrestling3724
Basketball3020
Baseball49-
Volleyball2223
Other Sports1520
Softball-23
Swimming911
Golf126
Tennis64
2023
NCAA Division II without footballMENWOMEN
Wrestling3126
Baseball55-
Basketball3022
Soccer3121
Volleyball1623
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)1321
Softball-24
Swimming1311
Other Sports-24
Golf126
Tennis64

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near King University:

  1. Davidson College - Ranked 16th in the US News 2024 rankings, Davidson College is a prestigious liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus community.

  2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - This esteemed institution is ranked 22nd and is renowned for its strong research programs and commitment to public service.

  3. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Also known as Virginia Tech, this university is ranked 47th and is recognized for its engineering and technology programs.

  4. Wake Forest University - Another institution ranked 47th, Wake Forest is known for its commitment to liberal arts education and a strong emphasis on ethics and leadership.

  5. Wofford College - Ranked 59th, Wofford is a liberal arts college that offers a close-knit community and a focus on student engagement.

These institutions provide a range of academic opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 4.0 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
31
Burglary
12
Liquor arrests
8
Drug arrests
5
Weapons arrests
4
Drug referrals
4

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at King University

The crime statistics at King University display a notable trend over the past decade, reflecting fluctuations in various types of offenses. In 2013, the crime rate per 1,000 students was significantly high at 10.42, primarily driven by gun-related arrests and incidents. However, a steady decline was observed in subsequent years, peaking again in 2019 with a rate of 12.50, suggesting potential underlying issues or incidents that may have contributed to this resurgence.

The year 2020 saw a drop to 6.53, likely influenced by the global pandemic, which restricted movement and gatherings, potentially reducing opportunities for crimes on campus. Interestingly, the figures for 2021 and 2022 remained relatively stable, illustrating a gradual stabilization in the crime rate, with 8.55 recorded in 2023.

Particularly concerning are the categories related to domestic violence and assault, which require continued attention from campus safety and administration. These trends indicate that while the overall crime rates have seen some improvement, certain areas still need proactive measures to enhance student safety.

Moreover, the data underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and community engagement in addressing crime, particularly in ensuring that students feel secure on campus. The university's response to these trends will be crucial in shaping a safer environment. For further understanding of crime rates calculations, you can refer to this link.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of King University include Patricia Cornwell (Crime novelist of the Kay Scarpetta series), Katherine Paterson (Children's author of Bridge to Terabithia) and Sarah Hildebrandt (Freestyle wrestler and former RAF champion).

More alumni (3, by field)

Business

  • Mike Helton 1953–

    NASCAR vice chairman and former president

  • Christian H. Cooper 1976–

    Derivatives trader and author

Sports

  • Haley Augello 1994–

    Freestyle wrestler who competed at the 2016 Olympics

    Attended until 2017

From Wikidata “educated at” records (including people who attended without graduating), ordered by the number of Wikipedia language editions. Degrees and years follow Wikidata and are left out where it has none.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.