Belmont University
Belmont University is a private nonprofit university in Nashville, TN ranked #974 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 7,306 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 96.4%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Business/Commerce.
Academically, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 83.7% first-year retention, and 71.7% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $32,096, about $15,098 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -66.7%, roughly 152.0 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $42,770. That's about $918 below national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Belmont University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Belmont University graduates 71.7% of students within six years and keeps 83.7% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Belmont University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $41,320 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,400 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,290 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,560 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $60,480 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 18.5% of Belmont University students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $19,516 to $42,908 depending on family income. Use Belmont University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $33,191/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $42,908/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $42,770
- 10-Year Median Earnings $42,770
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 76.0%
- Employment Rate 88.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Belmont University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Belmont University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Belmont University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Belmont University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Belmont University graduates earn $42,770 median, the -66.7% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 600-690
- SAT Math 560-660
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 7,306
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 83.7%
- Graduation Rate 71.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Belmont University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Belmont University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 96.4%, Belmont University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 96.4% acceptance rate, Belmont University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1160 and 1350 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Belmont University undergraduates. Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management, Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, and Music draw the most students.
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management 28.1%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 11.4%
- Music 6.0%
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technician 4.2%
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other 3.3%
- Design and Applied Arts 3.3%
See more majors
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts 2.8%
- Psychology, General 2.7%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $79,707
- 2. Business/Commerce, General $78,019
- 3. Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations $73,233
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $73,156
- 5. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $72,897
- 6. International Business $66,226
- 7. Psychology, General $65,747
- 8. Communication and Media Studies $64,813
- 9. Biology, General $63,780
- 10. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $53,467
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctoral Degree) $139,004
- 2. Business/Commerce, General (Master's Degree) $120,032
- 3. Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degree) $103,207
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $102,708
- 5. Law (Doctoral Degree) $88,212
- 6. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $82,231
- 7. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $70,903
- 8. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Master's Degree) $55,337
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $54,596
- 10. Music (Master's Degree) $41,152
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $79,707—49% more than Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication ($53,467). Graduate: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration programs lead with $139,004 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Belmont University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management (Bachelor's Degree, 504 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 204 graduates)
- Music (Bachelor's Degree, 107 graduates)
- Law (First Professional Degree, 100 graduates)
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degree, 92 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (56 programs)â–¼
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Music
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Design and Applied Arts
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Psychology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Marketing
- Business/Commerce, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Accounting and Related Services
- Business/Managerial Economics
- Biology, General
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
- Social Work
- Journalism
- Theology and Religious Vocations, Other
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Political Science and Government
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- Management Information Systems and Services
- International Business
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Sociology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Publishing
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations
- Physics
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Engineering Physics
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Public Health
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Architecture
- Architectural History and Criticism
Online Master's Degrees (16 programs)â–¼
- Business/Commerce, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Music
- Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Education, Other
- English Language and Literature, General
- Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Fine and Studio Arts
Online First Professional Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Law
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 7,306
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 34.2%
- Female Students 65.8%
- Caucasian 74.9%
- Asian 3.3%
- Hispanic 9.5%
- Black 5.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 18.5%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Belmont University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Belmont University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Belmont University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Belmont University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.9% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Women make up 65.8% of undergraduates. About 18.5% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Belmont University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Belmont University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Belmont University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -66.7% ROI. Ranked #974 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $32,096 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $42,770 median earnings. With 71.7% graduating within six years and 83.7% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Belmont University's Positioning
With a B grade and #974 ranking, Belmont University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $32,096 annually, Belmont University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 83.7% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $22,467 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -66.7% ROI and $42,770 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $22,096+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Belmont University ranks #974 of 1971 institutions, with 1619 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 71.7% six-year graduation rate sits 9.2 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 83.7% first-year retention is 6.9 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -66.7% return on investment is 152.0 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $42,770 run about 2% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $32,096 is roughly $12,197 higher than the national median of $19,899.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 83.7% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.2% employment rate within three years sits 20.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $32,096 is about $12,197 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 18.5% trails the national share by 14.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Belmont University, a private nonprofit university in Nashville, TN, secures a B grade in our latest review. It appears at #974 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion A-, Support B+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability C-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 83.7% retention and 71.7% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -66.7% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $32,096 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $60,480.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $28,384 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 18.5% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $42,770 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 2% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 88.2% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -66.7% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
96.4% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Belmont University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Contact Information
- Address Nashville, TN 37212-3757
- Website www.belmont.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$369.3M