About Belmont Abbey College
This Benedictine Catholic college draws 1,454 students to its suburban Belmont campus for a liberal arts education rooted in monastic traditions. The school accepts 97% of applicants with an average SAT of 1045, making it accessible to students seeking a faith-based education. Belmont Abbey has built a reputation around small classes and strong athletic programs that compete at the NCAA Division II level.
Students pay an average net price of $23,613 after financial aid, while tuition stays flat at $19,500 regardless of residency. Graduates earn a median of $47,937 ten years after graduation, but carry $26,000 in debt with monthly payments of $276. The employment rate hits 95.7%, though only 46% graduate within six years. The numbers suggest students find work but may struggle to complete their degrees on time.
The athletic culture dominates campus life with 883 student-athletes competing across 26 varsity sports. Men slightly outnumber women at 53%, and the student body is 64% white with growing Hispanic and Black populations. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 70% retention rate indicates some students transfer or leave before finishing.
Students pay an average net price of $23,613 after financial aid, while tuition stays flat at $19,500 regardless of residency. Graduates earn a median of $47,937 ten years after graduation, but carry $26,000 in debt with monthly payments of $276. The employment rate hits 95.7%, though only 46% graduate within six years. The numbers suggest students find work but may struggle to complete their degrees on time.
The athletic culture dominates campus life with 883 student-athletes competing across 26 varsity sports. Men slightly outnumber women at 53%, and the student body is 64% white with growing Hispanic and Black populations. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 70% retention rate indicates some students transfer or leave before finishing.
Academics & Faculty
Belmont Abbey offers a traditional Catholic liberal arts education rooted in Benedictine values of community and service. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and provide individual mentoring. The college emphasizes business, education, and sports management programs that connect classroom learning to career preparation. However, the 46% graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees, often due to financial pressures or academic preparation gaps. The Benedictine tradition shapes the curriculum with required theology and philosophy courses that develop critical thinking skills. Small class sizes allow for discussion-based learning, but students must be self-motivated to succeed in this close-knit academic environment.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 61.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 46.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 46.4%
- Retention Rate
- 69.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,937
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $46,790 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,519 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,416 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $31,670 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $26,739 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $26,585 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $25,194 |
| History. | Bachelor | $24,730 |
Campus Life
This Catholic college sits 15 miles west of Charlotte, giving students access to internships and nightlife in North Carolina's largest city. With housing for 1,157 students and total enrollment of 1,454, about 80% of undergraduates live on campus in this tight-knit community. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles.
North Carolina's mild climate requires a light jacket for winter but plenty of shorts for the long, humid summers. The Benedictine tradition shapes campus life through daily prayer opportunities and service requirements, though the 97% acceptance rate brings students from diverse backgrounds. Weekend activities center around the 26 varsity sports teams, with 883 student-athletes making up over half the student body. The Crusaders compete in NCAA Division II, and games draw strong crowds from the small campus. When not cheering at athletic events, students often head to Charlotte's restaurants and music venues or explore the nearby Catawba River for outdoor recreation.
North Carolina's mild climate requires a light jacket for winter but plenty of shorts for the long, humid summers. The Benedictine tradition shapes campus life through daily prayer opportunities and service requirements, though the 97% acceptance rate brings students from diverse backgrounds. Weekend activities center around the 26 varsity sports teams, with 883 student-athletes making up over half the student body. The Crusaders compete in NCAA Division II, and games draw strong crowds from the small campus. When not cheering at athletic events, students often head to Charlotte's restaurants and music venues or explore the nearby Catawba River for outdoor recreation.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,157 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1876
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–52°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.5"
Student Demographics
This Catholic college draws students who value faith-based education within a tight-knit community. The student body splits 57% out-of-state and 43% in-state, showing Belmont Abbey attracts students from across the region seeking its Benedictine tradition. Men slightly outnumber women at 53%, reflecting the school's strong athletic culture with 26 varsity sports programs. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable Catholic education. The diverse mix includes students drawn to both liberal arts academics and competitive Division II athletics in the Conference Carolinas.
- Men
- 53.4%
- Women
- 46.6%
- White
- 64.0%
- Black
- 8.4%
- Hispanic
- 8.6%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 43.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.4%
Location
Belmont Abbey College sits in Belmont, North Carolina, about 15 miles west of Charlotte. The suburban setting gives students access to a major metropolitan area while maintaining a small-town feel. The campus lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing a scenic backdrop for the 1,454 students enrolled. Charlotte's banking industry and cultural attractions are easily accessible for internships and entertainment. The region combines Southern charm with growing economic opportunities. About 43% of students come from in-state, drawn to the area's mild climate and outdoor recreation options. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Belmont Abbey College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Belmont, North Carolina 28012-1802
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,937
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,996
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $34,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 42.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Belmont Abbey College?
Belmont Abbey College accepts 97.17% of applicants, making admission highly accessible. The average SAT score is 1045, reflecting the college's commitment to welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds.
How much does Belmont Abbey College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $23,613 annually for students receiving aid. This Benedictine Catholic college charges $19,500 in tuition regardless of residency status, with room and board adding $12,056.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Belmont Abbey College?
Classes maintain a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in this liberal arts environment. The college emphasizes close mentoring relationships that reflect its Benedictine tradition of community and scholarship.
What are graduation rates like at Belmont Abbey College?
About 46% of students graduate within six years, with graduates earning a median salary of $47,937 ten years after enrollment. The 69.47% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life.
Where is Belmont Abbey College located and what is campus life like?
The 1,454-student campus sits in suburban Belmont, North Carolina, with housing for 1,157 students. Men slightly outnumber women at 53.37%, and the college draws students from across the region with 43.40% coming from in-state.
How strong are athletics at Belmont Abbey College?
The Crusaders field 26 varsity sports in NCAA Division II, with 883 total athletes receiving $3,020,651 in athletic scholarships. Athletics play a central role in campus culture, with over half the student body participating in competitive sports.
