Freed-Hardeman University logo

Freed-Hardeman University

Henderson, TN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

How to Live and Make a Living

Wikipedia
1869
Founded
Private university
Type
1,244
Total Students
1,850
Undergrad
433
Graduate
$96M
Endowment
(2025)
$25K
Tuition (In-State)
$25K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
91%
Acceptance Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
6-year
81%
Retention Rate
Master's Colleges & Universities
Classification
President: David Shannon

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Freed-Hardeman University

A private university rooted in over 150 years of history, committed to living and making a living.

Freed-Hardeman University, a distinguished private university, stands as a beacon of education with a rich heritage dating back to 1869. Embodying its motto, "How to Live and Make a Living," FHU is dedicated to fostering holistic development for its vibrant community of 2,283 students. Its significant endowment of $0.1 billion underpins a commitment to academic excellence and student success.

The university's journey began as the Henderson Male Institute in 1869, evolving through names like West Tennessee Christian College. Following the closure of Georgie Robertson Christian College, two determined alumni, N. B. Hardeman and A. G. Freed, established the National Teachers' Normal and Business College in 1907, with classes starting in 1908. Their visionary leadership led to the institution being proudly renamed Freed–Hardeman College in 1919, eventually achieving university status in February 1990.

Freed-Hardeman extends its academic reach beyond its Henderson campus, offering courses in Memphis, Tennessee, and providing exceptional global learning experiences. Students can immerse themselves in European study abroad programs based at FHU's facility in Verviers, Belgium, or explore opportunities in diverse locations such as Spain, Israel, Costa Rica, and Seoul. The university celebrated its impressive 150th anniversary during the 2019–2020 academic year, a testament to its enduring legacy and continuous evolution in preparing students for a meaningful future.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1869, celebrating over 150 years of educational heritage.
  • A private university serving 2,283 students.
  • Motto: "How to Live and Make a Living," emphasizing practical and ethical development.
  • Offers extensive study abroad programs, including a dedicated facility in Verviers, Belgium, and programs in Spain, Israel, and Costa Rica.
  • Evolved from the Henderson Male Institute to a university in 1990, honoring its founders, A. G. Freed and N. B. Hardeman.
  • First African-American graduate, Elizabeth Saunders, in 1967, following the admission of black students in 1964.
  • Operates with an endowment of $0.1 billion.

Timeline

1869
Chartered as the Henderson Male Institute.
1907
Georgie Robertson Christian College closed; National Teachers' Normal and Business College (NTNBC) incorporated.
1908
Classes commenced at the NTNBC.
1919
Renamed Freed–Hardeman College.
1964
Began admitting African-American students.
1967
Elizabeth Saunders became the first Black graduate.
1990
Achieved university status, becoming Freed–Hardeman University.
2016
Granted an exception to Title IX related to religious tenets.
2019–2020
Celebrated its 150th anniversary.
🏛️
157 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
David Shannon
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Freed-Hardeman University

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search