At $22,078/yr net price, Belhaven University graduates earn $46,440/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,440/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,078 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,312 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,440/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,440/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 51.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,333 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,855/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,039/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,853/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,359/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,276/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $46,673 | $44,630 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,636 | $31,534 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $44,942 | $41,799 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $40,017 | $45,053 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $39,729 | $32,218 |
| Education, General. | Master | $39,369 | $34,335 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $38,505 | $44,784 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $35,416 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
The Risk Factor
51.1% of students at Belhaven University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Belhaven University delivers weak financial returns with median earnings of just $46,440 ten years after graduation against a net price of $22,078 annually. The numbers get worse when you factor in the 51% graduation rate, meaning nearly half of students leave without a degree but likely with debt.
Business programs offer the best financial prospects at Belhaven, with management graduates earning around $46,000 annually. However, debt loads for these programs vary wildly from $31,534 to $44,630, suggesting inconsistent financial aid packaging. Health administration graduates earn $44,942 but carry $41,799 in debt. Education majors face particularly poor economics, earning $43,798 with no debt data available. Physical education graduates earn just $40,017 while carrying $45,053 in debt, creating negative return prospects.
The school's 69% retention rate signals student dissatisfaction or financial strain. With only 45% of students receiving aid, many families pay full freight for mediocre outcomes. The regional job market in Jackson limits earning potential for most graduates.
Belhaven works financially only if you receive substantial merit aid or plan to pursue business or health administration. Education and physical education majors should look elsewhere. The combination of high debt loads, low graduation rates, and modest earnings makes this a risky investment for most students. Consider community college transfer options or Mississippi public universities for better value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belhaven University worth the cost?
With median debt of $26,333 and 10-year earnings of $46,440, Belhaven graduates face a challenging return on investment. The debt-to-income ratio is higher than most financial advisors recommend for college graduates.
What are the highest paying majors at Belhaven University?
Business Administration leads with median earnings around $46,673, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $44,942. Education and fitness programs typically earn $40,000-$44,000, which may struggle to justify the debt load.
How much debt do Belhaven University students typically graduate with?
The median debt is $26,333, which represents about 57% of typical first-year earnings for graduates. This debt burden is concerning given the school's 51% graduation rate.
Does Belhaven University provide good financial aid?
The net price averages $22,078 per year, which still leads to significant debt for most students. Given the earning outcomes, students should carefully evaluate whether the financial aid package makes attendance affordable.