
Freed-Hardeman University is a private university in Henderson, Tennessee, whose roots date to 1869. Its development from a school serving the local community into a university helps explain its combination of undergraduate, graduate, and religious studies today.
The institution adopted the Freed-Hardeman name in the early 20th century, honoring educators A. G. Freed and N. B. Hardeman. Formerly Freed-Hardeman College, it became Freed-Hardeman University in 1990. Its longstanding association with Churches of Christ remains central to its identity; applicants should consider that history alongside its current academic offerings and campus expectations.
Freed-Hardeman offers undergraduate and graduate study across the liberal arts, professional fields, and biblical studies. Its academic organization includes colleges focused on arts and sciences, biblical studies, business, education and behavioral sciences, and health sciences.
Representative areas of study include biology, communication, computer science, accounting, teacher education, social work, nursing, and Bible. The mix matters for students comparing schools: a prospective nursing or teacher-education student needs to examine clinical placements or licensure requirements, while a student considering biblical studies may want to review the program's particular theological approach.
Programs and credential levels can change. Applicants should use the current academic catalog to check the degree available in their intended subject, required courses, and whether a program has separate admission or progression standards.
Freed-Hardeman's main campus is in Henderson, a small city in West Tennessee. Students seeking a residential campus in a smaller community may find the setting notably different from a university in Nashville or Memphis.
The surrounding community provides everyday services, but some internships, specialized medical appointments, and entertainment options may require travel. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, which may be useful even for students living in university housing. McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport serves the Jackson area; students planning longer-distance travel should compare its flight options with larger airports.
Freed-Hardeman describes its educational mission in explicitly Christian terms, reflecting its association with Churches of Christ. Its stated approach brings academic study, faith, and service together rather than treating religion solely as an optional extracurricular interest.
That affiliation is relevant to daily life as well as to Bible courses and religious activities. Prospective students - including those from other faiths or none - should review the current student handbook and degree requirements to understand chapel expectations, conduct policies, and any required biblical studies coursework. An institution's stated mission describes its priorities; it does not, by itself, establish what every student's experience will be.
Name of the institution
Freed-Hardeman UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PrivateSetting type
Town: DistantInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
1,000 - 4,999Religious affiliation
Protestant (Church of Christ)School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1869Freed-Hardeman University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Associate's degree
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarship
Doctor's degree - professional practiceData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.