King University was established in 1867 by the Holston Presbytery on hillside land donated by Reverend James King. It wasn’t until 2013 that King College expanded its academics to master’s degrees and assumed university status. As part of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), King is a private, nonprofit higher learning institution maintaining a covenant with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Endowed for $20.4 million, King University currently educates over 2,900 students across seven schools. Along with satellites in Kingsport, Knoxville, and Nashville, King operates a main 135-acre urban campus in Bristol, Tennessee, the “Birthplace of Country Music.”
According to the U.S. News, King University is the South’s 91st best regional college with an average freshman retention rate of 73 percent. King. The Princeton Review has placed King within the 139 “Best Southeastern” schools. Niche ranked King the #4 “Best Online College” and #67 “Best Test Optional University” in America. Christian Universities Online chose King among the United States’ top 50 most affordable Christian colleges. Washington Monthly honored King University as the 251st best master’s institutions for contribution to the public good. With four stars on Cappex, King’s top-notch academics have produced alumni like best-selling author Katherine Paterson and NASCAR vice chairman Mike Helton.
King University Accreditation Details
At Level V, King University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) through its next reaffirmation in 2018. This regional accrediting agency, approved by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), hasn’t issued any public sanctions. King University operates under the Tennessee State Board of Education guidelines. The School of Business holds discipline-specific approval from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). The B.S. in Athletic Training is also recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE).
King University Application Requirements
Getting an acceptance letter from King University won’t be simple with the “selective” admission rate of 44 percent. First-year applicants should be devoted believers, dreamers, and community collaborators who hold a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma. Showing ambition with a college-prep curriculum of four English units and three math units is required. Credit is available for Advanced Placement (AP) exams scored 3 or higher. On average, King freshmen graduate in the top 25 percent of their class. Students should have maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher as well as achieved a minimum ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 1000.
Applicants who’ve already taken at least 12 credits at regionally accredited institutions post-graduation could transfer. Credit is extended for college-level courses, not remedial, graded “C-” or better. Incoming transfers should have good standing at their previous school with a minimum 2.75 college GPA. International students have an extra step to send a minimum written TOEFL score of 563 or IELTS score of 6.0. Sports management majors possessing an accredited bachelor’s degree and 120+ credits could be admitted to King’s MBA. Although GMAT scores aren’t necessary, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and proven leadership ability are.
The Office of Admissions at King University offers a free online application without a deadline, except the August 10th deadline for SAT/ACT scores. King’s application checklist includes:
• All previous high school and post-secondary transcripts
• College entrance examination scores (SAT or ACT)
• Two recommendations from professional sources
• Resume/list of extra-curricular activity involvement
• Personal statement indicating academic interests (optional)
Tuition and Financial Aid
Regardless of Tennessee residence, full-time undergrads at King University are charged $25,798 for annual tuition. Mandatory fees add approximately $1,478 per year. Living on the Bristol campus requires undergraduate students to pay $4,108 and $4,702 for room and board respectively. King also bills $206 annually for accidental injury insurance. Total annual cost of attendance for full-time bachelor’s students is $35,456. For graduate students, the average yearly cost is $9,024 full-time, but tuition varies. The MBA will charge $9,750 each semester for total tuition at $19,500. Remember that online courses also add a $100 technology fee.
The NCES reports that 98 percent of starting, full-time King Tornado are assisted. The average financial aid package gifts $18,810. Institutional awards, such as the Bell Scholarship, Freshmen Merit Scholarship, Out-of-State Waiver, Athletic Scholarship, and Transfer Scholarship, are numerous. Financially needy undergraduates could obtain the Federal Pell Grant or Federal SEOG Grant. Volunteer State residents may earn the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship, Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholarship, or Helping Heroes Grant. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill pays up to $21,084 for honorably discharged veterans. Federal Work-Study (FWS) could provide part-time jobs at the Student Center Complex. If needed, Federal Subsidized, Unsubsidized, Perkins, and PLUS loans are available too.
Student Experience
Entering today’s growing sports industry with an affordable Christian education from King University is promising. Undergraduates can pursue the three-year, CAATE-accredited B.S. in Athletic Training to become a certified athletic trainer. Students master the prevention, evaluation, acute care, and rehabilitation strategies used to treat players with a 500-hour clinical internship. The School of Business offers another alternative with the B.A. in Business. This 124-credit program can build on the King Core with a specialization in Sports Management. It’s ideal for earning administrative positions specifically in sports enterprises. Post-baccalaureate learning could continue with the team-based, 36-credit Professional MBA in Bristol or online.
King University offers a close-knit learning community with a student-faculty ratio of 14:1 in scenic Bristol near Steele Creek Park. Students engage in small classes with 20 to 25 peers to examine the latest knowledge in athletic training or sports management, but learning goes beyond the classroom. Freshmen have a first-year requirement to travel to Washington for the Experience DC trip in mid-September. Community service projects are organized by the Institute for Faith and Culture with agencies like Big Brothers-Big Sisters. Cross-cultural experience is also encouraged in 50+ nations from India to Ireland.
Although 87 percent of King’s students live off-campus, the Oval remains active. Sports enthusiasts can pick from nearly 100 student-run organizations. Consider joining the SHRM Chapter, Society of Future Accountants, Newman Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Pep Band, and more. Several exciting intramurals are available like badminton and Ultimate Frisbee. Belonging to the NCAA Division II Conference Carolinas, the Tornado has 24 intercollegiate teams too. From Kline Gym to Parks Field, students cheer on varsity athletes along Twister the fearless Lion. King University also opened a Student Center Complex in 2003 with cutting-edge athletic training offices, weight rooms, and racquetball courts.
