Parents, we are in this together.

You’ve invested years helping your student grow, learn, and discover who God made them to be. Now they’re ready for the next step—and we know that as exciting as it is, it can also feel overwhelming. Questions about safety, finances, community, and spiritual life are real.

At Johnson University, we want you to know we’re walking this journey alongside your family. Here’s what makes Johnson a place where students—and parents—can feel confident:

Faith at the Center
Every Johnson student double majors: one in Bible & Theology and one in their chosen field. That means your student’s education is built on a solid foundation of faith while preparing them for a meaningful career.

An Uncommon Community
This isn’t just a campus; it’s home. Many of our faculty and staff live right here, building relationships that go beyond the classroom and mentoring students every step of the way.

A Place to Belong
With 440 acres of beautiful space to explore and some of the best dorms in the country, Johnson is a campus where students feel safe, supported, and connected.

An Affordable Investment
College is a big decision for families, but we work hard to keep it within reach. Ninety-eight percent of our students receive scholarships, and Johnson’s tuition is among the lowest of any private Christian university.

We know you want the best for your student. At Johnson, we’re committed to partnering with you to provide an environment where they will be challenged, encouraged, and prepared for a life of service and impact.

Because when your student chooses Johnson, your family becomes part of our uncommon community.

Student and parents talking with professor

Plan a Visit

The best way to know if Johnson University is the right fit for your student is to experience it together. A campus tour allows you to see the environment where your student will learn, grow, and build community. Walk through our beautiful campus, step inside classrooms, and discover how faith and learning are woven into everyday life—giving you confidence that Johnson can feel like home for your family.

Join the Johnson University Parent & Family Portal

We know how important it is for you to stay connected with your student’s journey. That’s why we’re excited to launch the Johnson University Parent & Family Portal!

This resource is designed to give YOU the information you need, when you need it—so you can stay engaged and focused on what matters most: your student’s success at JU!

Families at Johnson University for Genesis Weekend, move in days

Parking and Campus Safety

Johnson University is committed to ensuring a safe living and learning environment on both campuses. This includes:

  • Campus patrols by campus security and professional security companies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
  • Well-lit walkways and parking lots
  • Limited access to Johnson University residence halls (limited to students, approved campus staff, and approved guests)
  • Resident Assistants live in the dorms and are available to assist students and staff each hall of the residence halls.
  • Emergency response plans
  • Monitoring of incoming and outgoing traffic and mandatory vehicle registration for students, faculty, and staff

Academic/Career Help

Academic Support

If your student needs help with classwork, time management, or accommodations related to a disability, the Academic Support Center can help. Johnson University provides free academic services to all current students.

Career Planning

The Career Services Office offers programs and services that network students, employers, alumni, and faculty, while training and preparing students to be servant leaders and ethical professionals.

Services we offer:

  • Career counseling
  • Workshops and events
  • Assistance with job searches
  • Information regarding internships and experiential education
  • Professional development

Supporting Your Student

Parents of freshmen:

  • Support your student’s career exploration if he/she is undecided; many students change their majors.
  • Be open to conversations about your own career experience.
  • Be willing to give feedback (if asked!) about your student’s skills and abilities.
  • Encourage your student to find an internship for the summer.
  • Remind your student that Career Services can help with major choice, a resume, and job and internship searches.

Parents of sophomores:

  • Urge your student to seek other ways to get skills and experience in a field of interest if he or she is not planning to do a co-op.
  • Help your student think of possibilities for relevant summer jobs or internships.
  • Assist your student with networking, a lifelong process that is instrumental in finding a job. Provide any connections you can. Friends of the family, family of friends—anyone can lead to a lead!

Parents of juniors:

  • If your student is interested in grad school, this is the year to learn about the application process, research and explore programs, think about financing, and start preparing for the GRE, GMAT, LSAT or MCAT exams.
  • The end of junior year is a perfect time for students to begin working with Career Services on planning the after-graduation job search.
  • Ask good questions! Talk to your student about projects, jobs, and school experiences that have been rewarding. What was satisfying about those experiences? What does that mean for career exploration?

Parents of seniors:

  • Encourage your student to visit Career Services to polish their resume, learn interview skills, and search for their first job.
  • Remind your student that an entry-level job will not be a CEO! A good first job should offer the student an opportunity to use his or her gifts, develop skills, learn about themselves, and build for the future.
  • Many kids have unrealistic expectations about money. You can help your son or daughter research salary expectations and goals for their field.

Parents of students in any class:

  • Ask questions about and encourage your student’s faith journey! How do they see God working in their time at Johnson and what are they learning about their vocation and calling? Ask these types of questions every year!

Counseling and Mental Health

College can be a wonderful time, but it can also be a challenge. Our campuses offer support for students who are struggling.

 

Tennessee

The Tennessee campus has a University Counseling Center, located in Myrtle Hall, which offers personal counseling at no charge to students while ensuring utmost confidentiality in all matters. Counseling services are provided by professional counseling faculty and by graduate students who are under the careful supervision of faculty members.

The UCC is generally open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with closings and limited scheduling based on the academic calendar of Johnson University.

University Counseling Center

865-251-2217

Royal Care

All Johnson University students are also given full access to our Royal Care suite of wellbeing resources. This includes:

  • 24/7/365 Support Hotline for students to call and immediately be connected with licensed professionals who can help in times of crisis, anxiety, panic, or other critical moments.”
  • Virtual Counseling – through our partnership with UWill, students are able to also access virtual counseling options, if desired.
  • Royal Check-In – students can schedule a check-in with one of our UCC staff members for quick, 30-minute meetings of support and encouragement. These check-ins can also help students provide plans of action for further care and well-being moving forward.
  • Proactive Resources – students will be able to create an account with You@Johnson, a web platform that offers further articles, activities, journaling prompts, videos, and so much more that encourages holistic health.