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96.3%Acceptance
$41,320Tuition
7,306Students
72%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$55,930Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Interdenominational

About Belmont University

Belmont thrives in Nashville's music scene, where country stars like Brad Paisley and Trisha Yearwood launched their careers. This private Christian university enrolls 7,306 students in the heart of Music City. The school has built a reputation for its music business and performing arts programs, positioning students directly within the industry that defines Nashville. With a 96% acceptance rate, Belmont welcomes most applicants who meet basic standards.

Students pay an average net price of $32,096 after financial aid, though costs vary by family income. Graduates earn a median of $55,930 ten years after graduation, making the typical monthly loan payment of $217 manageable for most. With median debt of just $20,500, Belmont keeps borrowing relatively low compared to similar private universities. The 96% employment rate suggests strong job placement after graduation.

Women make up nearly 66% of the student body, creating a campus culture that reflects this gender balance. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in classrooms. As a Division I school with 262 athletes across 13 sports, Belmont offers competitive athletics alongside its academic programs. The 72% four-year graduation rate indicates most students complete their degrees on schedule.

Academics & Faculty

Belmont's location in Nashville makes it a powerhouse for music business and entertainment industry programs that connect students directly with record labels, studios, and venues. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors can provide hands-on mentorship in specialized fields like audio engineering and music business management. With a 72% four-year graduation rate, students typically complete degrees on time despite the demanding nature of performance and production coursework. The university has expanded beyond its music roots to offer strong programs in nursing, business, and liberal arts. Notable alumni like Brad Paisley and Trisha Yearwood demonstrate the school's success in launching music careers from its Nashville base.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
62.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
72.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
71.7%
Retention Rate
83.7%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,930
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $116,083
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $110,643
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Master $84,653
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $84,653
Business/Commerce, General. Master $80,669
Accounting and Related Services. Master $62,674
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. Doctoral $61,651
Accounting and Related Services. Bachelor $56,415
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $55,026
Education, Other. Master $53,358

View all 91 programs →

Campus Life

Nashville's music scene pulses through daily life at Belmont, where 60% of the 7,306 students can live in on-campus housing that puts them minutes from Music Row and downtown. The 75-acre campus sits in the heart of Music City, making it easy to catch live shows, intern at record labels, or grab coffee in the Gulch between classes. Nashville's mild climate means you'll need a light jacket for winter but can enjoy outdoor activities most of the year.

The student body skews 66% female, reflecting strong programs in music therapy, nursing, and education alongside the famous music business track. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and often have industry connections. Weekends revolve around campus concerts, trips to the honky-tonks on Broadway, or hiking at nearby Percy Warner Park. The Christian foundation creates a close-knit community feel, though students from all backgrounds find their place. Study abroad programs send students worldwide, but many discover that being in Nashville already feels like studying at the center of the music universe.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
4,374 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1890

Campus Safety (2023)

53 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Burglary 11 11 0 0
Stalking 13 3 0 0
Rape 5 5 0 0
Fondling 2 1 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
27°–48°F
July Avg
67°–89°F
Annual Precipitation
53.2"
Annual Snowfall
4.7"

Student Demographics

Belmont draws students from across the country seeking Nashville's music scene, with 73% coming from out-of-state. Women make up two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting the school's strong programs in music, performing arts, and health sciences. The student body is predominantly white at 75%, with growing diversity including 10% Hispanic and 5% Black students. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing the school attracts middle and upper-middle class families willing to invest in Nashville's entertainment industry connections and Christian-centered education.
Men
34.2%
Women
65.8%
White
74.9%
Black
5.3%
Hispanic
9.5%
Asian
3.3%
In-State Students
27.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
18.5%

Location

Belmont sits in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of Music City and home to 700,000 residents. The university draws 73% of its students from out-of-state to experience Nashville's thriving music scene and growing tech industry. Students live in a major metropolitan area where recording studios, concert venues, and music labels create internship opportunities steps from campus. Nashville combines Southern charm with big-city amenities, offering everything from honky-tonk bars on Broadway to hiking trails just outside the city limits. The city's booming economy attracts young professionals, making it an ideal place for college students to build networks. Students considering colleges in Tennessee may also compare Belmont with similar schools in the region.
Address
Nashville, Tennessee 37212-3757
Belmont Tower and Carillon 2014 Nashville Tennessee
Belmont Tower and Carillon 2014 Nashville Tennessee
Nashville's First Radio Station
Nashville's First Radio Station

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$55,930
Median Earnings (5 years)
$51,996
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,100
Loan Repayment Rate
76.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Belmont University?

Belmont University accepts 96.27% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1245, reflecting a student body that performs well academically while the school maintains an open admissions philosophy.

How much does Belmont University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Belmont University is $32,096 after aid, though only 18.52% of students receive federal Pell Grants. Students typically graduate with $20,500 in debt, which is manageable given the school's strong career outcomes in Nashville's entertainment industry.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Belmont University?

Belmont University maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 7,306 total students. The university is well-known for its music business program, leveraging Nashville's position as the country music capital to provide hands-on industry experience.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Belmont University?

Belmont University has a 72.09% four-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median of $55,930 ten years after graduation. The school boasts a 96% employment rate, reflecting strong connections to Nashville's music and entertainment industries.

Where is Belmont University located and what is campus life like?

Belmont University sits in Nashville, Tennessee, housing 4,374 students on campus out of 7,306 total enrollment. The retention rate is 83.72%, and students benefit from being in Music City with access to countless internships and networking opportunities in the entertainment business.

Does Belmont University have strong connections to the music industry?

Belmont University has produced notable country music alumni including Brad Paisley, Trisha Yearwood, and Josh Turner. The school's 262 student-athletes compete in NCAA Division I, but its real claim to fame is its music business program that takes advantage of Nashville's thriving entertainment scene.