Bryan College

Dayton, Tennessee, United States · Est. 1930 · Private Non-profit

Christian college founded after the Scopes trial, offering 50+ undergraduate majors and graduate degrees in East Tennessee.

  • Founded 1930 in Dayton, Tennessee, as a Christian response to the Scopes trial
  • Private nonprofit Christian college with ~1,656 students
  • Offers associate, bachelor's, master's degrees and Doctorate of Business Administration
  • Vogel School of Engineering (mechanical/civil) and Clara Ward School of Nursing established 2018–2021
  • Member of Appalachian Athletic Conference (NAIA); 17 varsity sports
  • Ranked 71st among US News Regional Universities in the South (2019)

Academics

Bryan College offers over 50 fields of study at the undergraduate level, along with associate degrees, master's degrees, and a Doctorate of Business Administration. The college established the Vogel School of Engineering in 2018, enabling students to pursue degrees in mechanical or civil engineering. In 2021, the Clara Ward School of Nursing was founded. Adult and Graduate Studies programs serve part-time learners with online and onsite options. The college is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1969.

Campus & Student Life

The 128-acre hilltop campus in Dayton, Tennessee, features six public buildings, five residence halls, and 12 townhouses within walking distance of downtown Dayton and the historic Rhea County Courthouse. The college maintains an on-campus physical therapy clinic. Bryan competes in 17 intercollegiate varsity sports through the NAIA's Appalachian Athletic Conference, with teams known as the Lions. The campus is a stop on the Southeast Tennessee Religious Trail due to its connection to the Scopes trial.

Admissions

Bryan College accepts applications for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The college offers pathways for traditional students, transfer students, dual enrollment participants, and online learners. Admissions counselors are available to assist homeschool students, military personnel, veterans, and first responders. The application process is described as quick, easy, and free.

History & Mission

Bryan College was founded in 1930 following the 1925 Scopes trial in Dayton, Tennessee. William Jennings Bryan expressed a wish for a school to teach from a Christian perspective before his death in July 1925. The college was originally chartered as William Jennings Bryan University, renamed William Jennings Bryan College in 1958, and shortened to Bryan College in 1993. The institution's motto is 'Christ Above All,' reflecting its commitment to Christian higher education.

Founded
1930
Type
Private Non-profit
Courses
7
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationChristian (non-denominational)
Websitehttps://www.bryan.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
7
Avg career outcomes
$54.4K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources