About Belhaven University
Belhaven University has built its reputation around the arts, particularly music and theatre programs that draw students from across the region. This Christian liberal arts institution enrolls 1,370 students in midsize Jackson, Mississippi. The university maintains strong Presbyterian traditions while offering a close-knit academic environment with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Students can choose from programs that emphasize both creative expression and liberal arts foundation.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $22,078 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $46,440 ten years after graduation. With median debt of $26,333 and monthly loan payments around $279, the return on investment takes time to materialize. Only 46% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans. The sticker price of $39,245 drops for lower-income families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $16,855 net.
The student body reflects Mississippi's demographics, with 44% Black students and 37% White students creating a diverse campus community. Women make up 63% of enrollment. The 51% six-year graduation rate and 69% retention rate suggest some students struggle to complete their degrees, though the small size allows for personalized attention from faculty and staff.
The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $22,078 after aid, but graduates earn a median of $46,440 ten years after graduation. With median debt of $26,333 and monthly loan payments around $279, the return on investment takes time to materialize. Only 46% of borrowers are successfully repaying their loans. The sticker price of $39,245 drops for lower-income families, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying just $16,855 net.
The student body reflects Mississippi's demographics, with 44% Black students and 37% White students creating a diverse campus community. Women make up 63% of enrollment. The 51% six-year graduation rate and 69% retention rate suggest some students struggle to complete their degrees, though the small size allows for personalized attention from faculty and staff.
Academics & Faculty
Belhaven operates as a Christian liberal arts university with particularly strong reputations in the arts, especially music and theatre programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students personally. However, the 51% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. The university's Presbyterian foundation shapes its liberal arts curriculum, emphasizing both intellectual growth and spiritual development. Music and theatre students benefit from specialized facilities and performance opportunities that have built the school's artistic reputation. The small size means limited course offerings but more individualized attention from faculty. Academic support varies, as evidenced by the graduation statistics.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 13.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 48.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 51.1%
- Retention Rate
- 68.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,440
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $46,673 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,636 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $44,942 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,798 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $40,017 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $39,729 |
| Education, General. | Master | $39,369 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $38,505 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
Campus Life
Daily life at Belhaven revolves around a tight-knit Christian community where 49% of the 1,370 students live on campus in Jackson's Belhaven neighborhood. The historic campus sits in Mississippi's capital city, giving students access to internships and cultural opportunities without the overwhelming feel of a major metropolitan area. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and your struggles.
Mississippi's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both air conditioning and occasional sweaters, but rarely a heavy winter coat. The 63% female student body creates a nurturing atmosphere that complements the school's Presbyterian roots. Students spend weekends at campus events, exploring Jackson's music scene, or participating in the 13 NCAA Division III sports programs with 377 total athletes. The arts dominate campus culture, with music and theatre students regularly performing for the community. Chapel services and faith-based programming shape the weekly rhythm, while the diverse student body (44% Black, 37% White) brings different perspectives to this Southern Christian college experience.
Mississippi's humid subtropical climate means you'll need both air conditioning and occasional sweaters, but rarely a heavy winter coat. The 63% female student body creates a nurturing atmosphere that complements the school's Presbyterian roots. Students spend weekends at campus events, exploring Jackson's music scene, or participating in the 13 NCAA Division III sports programs with 377 total athletes. The arts dominate campus culture, with music and theatre students regularly performing for the community. Chapel services and faith-based programming shape the weekly rhythm, while the diverse student body (44% Black, 37% White) brings different perspectives to this Southern Christian college experience.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 672 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1883
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–57°F
- July Avg
- 73°–92°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.0"
Student Demographics
Belhaven draws a diverse mix of students, with 44% qualifying for Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving working-class families. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, drawn to the university's strong arts programs in music and theatre. The student body is split roughly between in-state and out-of-state students, showing both local Mississippi roots and broader regional appeal. Black students comprise the largest racial group at 44%, while white students make up 37%. This Presbyterian liberal arts college creates an intimate community where students from different backgrounds unite around Christian values and creative expression.
- Men
- 36.9%
- Women
- 63.1%
- White
- 37.0%
- Black
- 44.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.5%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 47.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 44.5%
Location
Belhaven University sits in Jackson, Mississippi's urban core, the state's largest city with nearly 600,000 residents in the metro area. Jackson serves as Mississippi's political and economic center, housing the state capitol and major corporations. The city blends Southern history with modern development, featuring museums, restaurants, and cultural venues that complement campus life. Students can explore the Mississippi Museum of Art or catch live music downtown. The university draws from across the region, with 47.84% of students coming from Mississippi and others from neighboring states. Students considering colleges in Mississippi may also compare Belhaven University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Jackson, Mississippi 39202
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,440
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,434
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 46.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $279/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,333
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Belhaven University?
Belhaven University accepts 42.60% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Christian liberal arts school. Students typically need an SAT score around 1090 or ACT score of 21 to be competitive for admission.
How much does Belhaven University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Belhaven University is $22,078 after financial aid, with 44.54% of students receiving Pell Grants. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $16,855, making this Presbyterian institution accessible to lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Belhaven University?
Belhaven University maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with total enrollment of 1,370 students. This small class environment supports the university's focus on personalized Christian education and strong mentorship in the liberal arts.
What are the graduation outcomes at Belhaven University?
Belhaven University has a 51.10% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $46,440 ten years after graduation. The 95.2% employment rate reflects the university's career preparation, though the $26,333 median debt requires careful financial planning.
Where is Belhaven University's campus located?
Belhaven University sits in Jackson, Mississippi, offering a midsize city setting with 672 on-campus housing spaces. The campus serves a diverse student body that is 44.09% Black and 37.01% White, with nearly half the students coming from in-state.
Does Belhaven University have strong arts programs?
Belhaven University is particularly known for its music and theatre programs, building on its liberal arts foundation since 1883. The university fields 13 varsity sports teams called the Blazers in NCAA Division III, creating a well-rounded creative and athletic environment.
