Christ-centered private university in rural Tennessee with 150+ years of Christian education and NAIA athletics.
Freed-Hardeman offers undergraduate and graduate degrees through 12 academic departments organized into 5 colleges: Arts and Sciences, Biblical Studies, Business, Education and Behavioral Sciences, and the Honors College. The university provides 58 majors spanning 119 areas of study, emphasizing hands-on learning, field studies, travel, and internships beginning in the first year. Courses integrate Christian faith with scholarship and practical service, preparing students for careers while maintaining spiritual formation.
The 96-acre rural campus in Henderson features historic buildings including the Old Administration Building (listed on the National Register of Historic Places), Dryden Auditorium, the Hope Barber Shull Academic Resource Center with the Loden-Daniel Library, and the Crews Colbert Activity Center. Student life centers on co-educational social clubs (no traditional Greek system), intramural sports, chapel services, Bible study groups, and devotionals. Spiritual life is central to daily experience, with opportunities for local ministry, nationwide service, and global missions including study abroad programs in Belgium, Spain, Israel, Costa Rica, New York City, Canada, and Seoul.
The university accepts undergraduate, graduate, transfer, and international students. A 44% acceptance rate was reported for fall 2012. There is no application fee. The admissions process emphasizes the university's mission to help students develop God-given talents through Christian education. Both undergraduate and graduate admissions pathways are available, with support for students at various life stages.
Freed-Hardeman reports that 92% of graduates are employed within their field within one year. The university competes in NAIA with 16 intercollegiate varsity sports (men's baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, tennis, track & field; women's basketball, cheerleading, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track & field, volleyball). The men's basketball team won the NAIA National Championship in 2024 and 2026; the women's team won in 2018. In 2014, men's basketball coach Jason Shelton received the Don Meyer Award for top NAIA coach.