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Union University at a Glance

About Union

A private, Christian, four-year, coeducational, liberal arts-based university offering associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Founded in 1823, Union is the oldest institution affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Quick Stats

100+

Programs of Study

2,718

Undergraduate and Graduate Students

46/8

States/Countries Represented

9:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

100%

Incoming Freshmen Received Financial Aid

A person in a graduation cap and gown holding a diploma folder, smiling widely. The gown is black with red accents, and there is a green, leafy background outdoors.

Our Mission & Identity

Union University provides Christ-centered education that promotes excellence and character development in service to Church and society.

Union University is an academic community, affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention, equipping persons to think Christianly and serve faithfully in ways consistent with its core values of being excellence-driven, Christ-centered, people-focused, and future-directed. These values shape its identity as an institution which prioritizes liberal arts based undergraduate education enhanced by professional and graduate programs. The academic community is composed of quality faculty, staff, and students working together in a caring, grace-filled environment conducive to the development of character, servant leadership, and cultural engagement.

What We Believe
Three people walk down a wide sidewalk lined with blooming trees on both sides. Two wear UNION sweatshirts, and one wears a brown skirt with a green shirt, showcasing a vibrant 00-Component of campus life. Buildings and grass are visible in the background.

Major Recognitions

In recent years, Union has been ranked by:

  • Kiplinger’s Personal Finance as one of the nation’s top private colleges and universities for academic quality and affordability.
  • Princeton Review among the top schools in the Southeast.
  • U.S. News and World Report as a “top tier” national university
  • Niche.com as top 10 Best College Dorms in the nation
  • College Choice as one of the Best Colleges in the South
  • College Factual as among the top 12% Best Value Nationwide

Union at a Glance

What We Believe

History of Union

Leadership & Governance

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Accreditation

SACSCOC Accredited Institution Badge

Union University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Union University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (sacscoc.org).

The University also has the following discipline-specific accreditation:

Discipline-Specific Accreditations:

State Board Approvals:

Affiliations:

2023-27 Strategic Plan

Protinus

Onward! That is the character of this Latin word, Protinus, and it is the character of our strategic plan as we enter a new century of Christ-centered higher education at Union University. Protinus is an adverb that functions as an imperative. It means to move immediately, forward, continuously, uninterruptedly, as from the very first. Thus, our strategic plan builds off the strength of our commitments from the very beginning of our history, including the most fundamental — Religio Et Eruditio — faith and learning.

Union University has celebrated its bicentennial during the 2022-2023 academic year by looking back to remember God's faithfulness to the institution and how he has blessed Union over the past two centuries. At the same time, we've dreamed about the future — about what God might do through Union over the next two centuries.

The four major themes of Protinus — advancing Christ-centered higher education, pursuing faithful innovation throughout and across campuses, continuing to solidify and develop Union's financial position, and enhancing Union's culture of shared life and commitment to one another's flourishing — will guide our operational goals and planning through 2027.

As we embark on this next chapter in Union's long and faithful history, we do so with gratitude to God for the great things He has done for Union. And we look forward with hopefulness and expectation, trusting that the same God who has preserved and provided for Union in the past will continue His work through us in the decades to come.