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Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN Private ยท Urban www.cbu.edu
Accept Rate
88.42%
Grad Rate
57.8%
Enrollment
953
Avg SAT
1069
Tuition
$37,300
Median Salary
$57,478
Overall Grade
C+
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
B+
Aid

The Vibe Check

Christian Brothers University offers a close-knit, family-like atmosphere rooted in the Lasallian tradition of faith, service, and community. The small campus size fosters deep personal connections with professors and peers, creating a supportive and intimate academic environment. It feels like a place where students are genuinely known and encouraged to grow both intellectually and personally.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

88.42%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 106975th Pctl
10401300
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2275th Pctl
1823
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to service and community involvement in your application, as CBU values the Lasallian mission. The admissions process is holistic, so a strong personal essay and letters of recommendation can make a significant impact. Given the 88.42% acceptance rate, meeting the average SAT score of 1069 will strengthen your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1069
40080012001600
School range: 1040โ€“1300

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

CBU is recognized for its strong programs in Business, Engineering, and Health Professions, with a curriculum emphasizing practical skills and ethical leadership. Class sizes are small, ensuring personalized attention from faculty who are dedicated to teaching and mentorship. While research opportunities are available, especially through faculty collaboration, the academic focus is on applied learning and professional preparation.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
24.5%
Health Professions
19.1%
Engineering
12.9%
Psychology
10.5%
Biology & Biomedical
9.2%
Multidisciplinary Studies
6.5%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.8%
Computer Science
2.7%
Education
1.4%
History
1.4%
English & Literature
1%
Mathematics & Statistics
1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

57.8%
Graduation Rate
72.6%
Retention Rate
953
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$37,300
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$10,896
After financial aid
Total Cost
$45,919
Cost of attendance/year
30.6%
Receive Pell Grants
31.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Memphis

Memphis offers a vibrant cultural scene with live music on Beale Street, world-class barbecue, and attractions like the National Civil Rights Museum. Students can explore the city's rich history, enjoy outdoor activities along the Mississippi River, and participate in a variety of local festivals and events.

Local Rent Check

$1,146 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Memphis
Explore Memphis

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$149,200
$0Est. 4 Years: $149,200

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($57,478):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The university is located in a busy urban area, so standard city precautions are advised. CBU has its own campus security, but students should remain aware of their surroundings in the surrounding Memphis neighborhood.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, career-focused programs in Business, Engineering, and Health Professions.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes and personalized attention from dedicated faculty.
  • โœ“ Generous financial aid can make the net price competitive.
  • โœ“ A supportive, mission-driven community that fosters personal growth.

Cons

  • โœ— The 57.8% graduation rate is below the national average.
  • โœ— The urban setting requires students to be mindful of city safety.
  • โœ— Campus life may feel limited compared to larger universities.

Notable Alumni

Timothy D. Cook
Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc.
William B. Umstead
Former Governor of North Carolina.
John J. Duncan Jr.
U.S. Representative for Tennessee's 2nd congressional district.

Frequently Asked Questions

Christian Brothers University is known for its strong emphasis on career-oriented programs in Business, Engineering, and Health Professions, all grounded in the Catholic, Lasallian tradition of faith and service. The university provides a personalized, supportive learning environment with small class sizes and a focus on developing ethical leaders.

Christian Brothers University has an acceptance rate of 88.42%, making it generally accessible. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1069. While admissions are not highly selective, strong academic performance and a demonstrated fit with the university's mission are important factors in the application review.

Campus life at CBU is intimate and community-focused, with a student body of under 1,000. Students benefit from a supportive environment with close relationships with faculty and peers. The university offers a variety of student organizations and activities, while its urban location in Memphis provides easy access to the city's diverse cultural and entertainment options.

The value of a CBU degree depends heavily on financial aid, as the average net price is $10,896, significantly lower than the sticker price. With 10-year median earnings of $57,478, the investment can offer a solid return, particularly in high-demand fields like engineering and health. For students who qualify for substantial aid, CBU can be a financially sound choice for a private university education.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

FedEx Regional One Health AutoZone International Paper Memphis Grizzlies
Smart Start Score
61

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,420
  • In-State Tuition $37,300
  • Zip Code 38104

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44.7% โ™€ 55.3%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $10,896, CBU can be a financially accessible option for many families, especially with a notable Pell Grant rate of 30.6%. The 10-year median earnings of $57,478 suggest a solid return on investment for a private university education. However, the sticker price is high, so prospective students should diligently pursue scholarships and financial aid.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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Compare with Kansas Wesleyan University

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $37,300
Housing (12 mo) $13,752
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $58,252
With avg financial aid:
$10,896/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.