Christian Brothers University

The academic offering at CBU is a blend of traditional liberal arts and career-oriented professional programs, with a particular strength in STEM and business fields. Students can choose from more than 60 majors and concentrations across Arts & Humanities, Behavioral Sciences, Business, Education, Engineering, Healthcare, and the Sciences.

Popular majors, based on recent graduate data, include:

• Nursing Practice (17% of graduates)
• Business Administration and Management, General (12%)
• Psychology, General (8%)
• Computer Science (8%)

The undergraduate catalog lists a wide array of specific degree programs, including Accounting, Applied Behavioral Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Science, and many more. The engineering program is frequently highlighted as a standout, and the School of Business is also well-regarded. This practical focus is balanced by the university's Catholic Lasallian mission, which commits the community to academic excellence and service. The campus culture is noted for its good student-to-teacher ratios, contributing to a more personalized educational experience. In 2014, the university's commitment to student-athlete success was recognized with an NCAA Academic Excellence Award for a 90% Academic Success Rate.

Life at CBU is intentionally residential and community-focused, set against the vibrant backdrop of Memphis. The university describes its campus in Midtown Memphis as part of "one of the most culturally active neighborhoods in the Mid-South." This location provides a dynamic setting for student life that extends beyond campus borders.

To foster this close-knit community, CBU has a residency requirement: all first-year students and sophomores are required to live on campus. This policy is designed to support students academically, socially, and culturally. The Division of Student Affairs works to connect the university's academic mission with extracurricular activities and student development.

The resulting campus culture is repeatedly described as welcoming and supportive. Reviews note that students and staff foster an environment where people from diverse backgrounds feel comfortable. Students involved in campus activities report that they "love on campus life" because "there are always activities being organized by the various on campus" groups. This creates a cohesive, engaged student body rooted in the university's educational community of "faith and service."

CBU's value proposition is heavily geared toward tangible, positive post-graduation results. The university proudly reports that 98% of its graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within 6 to 12 months of completing their degree. This strong career placement rate is a central part of its institutional story.

Retention and graduation metrics show a pattern of student persistence. The first-year retention rate is reported at 75%. The six-year graduation rate is 63%, with a four-year rate of 58%. The university's outcomes score, which factors heavily into some rankings, is bolstered by these graduation rates.

Regarding financial outcomes, the median earnings ten years after entry are reported as $57,478. Other sources suggest early-career earnings for graduates average around $37,000. The university tracks these outcomes through post-graduation reports compiled by its Career Services office.

Christian Brothers University emphasizes affordability and provides tools for families to estimate their actual cost. The university offers a Net Price Calculator on its website, designed to give an early estimate of financial assistance for which a student might qualify. Families are encouraged to use this tool and contact the Financial Aid Office directly for detailed guidance.

Financial aid is a significant component of making CBU accessible. Awards are restricted to full-time traditional undergraduate students who apply on time and demonstrate financial need. One source indicates that 100% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, with 31% benefiting from federal Pell Grants, which are for students with exceptional financial need.

Reported net price figures—the average cost after aid and scholarships—vary among sources. One reports a net price of $22,898, while another cites a cost of $17,068 after scholarships and grants, with an average aid package of $27,901. The sources do not contain explicit information stating that CBU has a policy of meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, nor do they describe a specific "no-loan" policy where loans are eliminated from financial aid packages for qualifying students.

Christian Brothers University carves out a distinctive niche by being unapologetically practical. It's not a place of cutthroat selectivity or abstract prestige; it's a career launchpad with a conscience. Its identity is defined by a few clear, compelling pillars.

First, its academic strengths are deliberately market-aligned. The celebrated engineering and business programs aren't just good—they're pipelines to employment in a major regional city. This focus is validated by the near-universal job or grad school placement rate for graduates.

Second, it leverages its Memphis location as a core asset, not just a setting. The Midtown campus immerses students in a culturally rich, urban environment, offering professional opportunities and experiences far beyond a secluded college town. The mandatory two-year on-campus living requirement ensures students build a strong foundational community before engaging with the city more independently.

Finally, it operates with a mission-driven pragmatism. The Lasallian values of faith, service, and community manifest in a supportive campus culture and a commitment to access, evidenced by its test-optional, high-acceptance admissions policy. CBU is for the student who wants a personalized education, a clear path to a profession, and a supportive community to get them there, all within the dynamic heartbeat of Memphis.