Belmont University logo

Belmont University

Accept Rate
96.36%
Grad Rate
72.1%
Enrollment
7,306
Avg SAT
1277
Tuition
$41,320
Median Salary
$55,930
Overall Grade
C
B
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Belmont feels like a creative and close-knit community where faith, arts, and ambition intersect. The campus is beautiful and walkable, with a Southern charm that makes it feel welcoming yet driven. You'll sense a strong entrepreneurial spirit, especially in the music and business programs.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

96.36%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 127775th Pctl
11601350
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2775th Pctl
2330
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your creative or entrepreneurial pursuits in your application, as Belmont values students who demonstrate passion and initiative. Visit campus and engage with an admissions counselor, as demonstrated interest can be a plus. For music and arts applicants, prepare thoroughly for your required audition or portfolio, as this is a critical component of your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1277
40080012001600
School range: 1160โ€“1350

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Belmont is a powerhouse for the creative industries, particularly music business and songwriting, anchored by its prime Nashville location. Teaching quality is high with small class sizes and accessible professors who are often active industry professionals. Research opportunities are robust, especially in health sciences and biology, with modern labs and strong ties to local medical centers.

Popular Majors

Visual & Performing Arts
39.9%
Health Professions
14.4%
Business & Marketing
11.2%
Communications
5.5%
Biology & Biomedical
4.3%
Psychology
3.3%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
2.9%
Social Sciences
1.7%
Education
1.7%
English & Literature
1.5%
Public Administration
1.5%
Theology
1.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

72.1%
Graduation Rate
83.7%
Retention Rate
7,306
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$41,320
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$32,096
After financial aid
Total Cost
$60,480
Cost of attendance/year
18.5%
Receive Pell Grants
34.8%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Nashville-Davidson

Nashville offers an unbeatable music scene, with countless concerts, open mic nights, and opportunities to intern at record labels. Students enjoy exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Midtown, The Gulch, and East Nashville, filled with unique restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Outdoor activities at nearby parks and lakes are also popular, providing a nice balance to the urban energy.

Local Rent Check

$1,442 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Nashville-Davidson
Explore Nashville-Davidson

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$165,280
$0Est. 4 Years: $165,280

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,930):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Belmont has a dedicated campus police force and a well-lit, secure campus, though students should remain aware of their surroundings in any urban setting. The surrounding Midtown area is generally safe and popular with students, but standard city precautions are advised.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Unparalleled location in Nashville for music, entertainment, and healthcare industries.
  • โœ“ Strong sense of community with a supportive, faith-based environment.
  • โœ“ Specialized, highly-ranked programs in songwriting, music business, and nursing.
  • โœ“ Beautiful, traditional campus with a welcoming Southern feel.

Cons

  • โœ— High tuition cost with limited out-of-state price differentiation.
  • โœ— The faith-based culture may not feel inclusive to all students.
  • โœ— Nashville's growing popularity has led to increased cost of living and traffic.

Notable Alumni

Brad Paisley
Country music superstar and Grammy Award-winning artist who studied at Belmont.
Dolly Parton
Iconic country music legend who received an honorary doctorate from Belmont.
Tim McGraw
Acclaimed country singer and actor who briefly attended Belmont University.

Frequently Asked Questions

Belmont is nationally renowned for its Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business, which is consistently ranked among the best in the world for aspiring music executives, songwriters, and artists. Beyond music, the university is also highly respected for its College of Health Sciences & Nursing, as well as its strong business and psychology programs. Its integration into the heart of Nashville's creative and healthcare economies makes it a unique institution.

No, Belmont is not considered highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 96.36%, the university offers admission to a large majority of its applicants. However, admission to its more competitive programs like music business and songwriting is much more rigorous and requires a strong portfolio, audition, and specific experience. While open admission is common, the average SAT score of 1277 suggests that admitted students are typically well-qualified.

Campus life at Belmont is active, creative, and deeply community-oriented. Students frequently attend concerts, songwriting rounds, and industry networking events both on and off campus. The environment is known for being friendly and supportive, with a visible faith-based presence and a strong emphasis on student involvement in arts, service, and leadership.

The value of a Belmont degree depends heavily on your major and career goals. For students pursuing music, entertainment, or healthcare in Nashville, the investment can be exceptionally worthwhile due to the unparalleled industry access and networking opportunities. The 10-year median earnings of $55,930 and strong graduate outcomes in top majors suggest a solid return on investment, but students should actively pursue scholarships to manage the high tuition costs.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

HCA Healthcare Nashville Predators Sony Music Vanderbilt University Medical Center Amazon Music
Smart Start Score
65

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 7,796
  • In-State Tuition $41,320
  • Zip Code 37212

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 34.2% โ™€ 65.8%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price over $41,000, Belmont is a significant investment, but the strong ROI in high-demand fields like music business and health professions can justify the cost. The average net price of $32,096 is still high, so maximizing scholarships and financial aid is crucial. For students pursuing careers in the creative industries, the Nashville network and specialized programs can provide a unique financial advantage post-graduation.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $41,320
Housing (12 mo) $17,304
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $65,824
With avg financial aid:
$32,096/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.