At $32,096/yr net price, Belmont University graduates earn $55,930/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,930/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $32,096 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $128,384 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,930/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,930/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,516/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,270/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $27,345/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,191/yr |
| $110,001+ | $42,908/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $116,083 | |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $110,643 | $224,812 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $84,653 | $99,150 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $84,653 | $57,147 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $80,669 | $53,160 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $62,674 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $61,651 | $145,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,415 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $55,026 | $18,750 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $53,358 |
The Risk Factor
71.7% of students at Belmont University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 28% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Belmont University delivers strong returns for students who choose the right majors, but weak financial aid makes it expensive for most families. Business administration graduates earn $116,083 annually, making the $32,096 net price worthwhile. Pharmacy students face $224,812 in debt but command $110,643 salaries, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio in Nashville's growing healthcare market.
Nursing and rehabilitation therapy both pay $84,653, though rehabilitation students carry $99,150 in debt compared to nursing's $57,147. General business majors earn $80,669 with moderate $53,160 debt loads. These healthcare and business programs align well with Nashville's economy, where music industry business and medical centers create steady demand.
The financial risk centers on Belmont's limited aid. Only 18.52% of students receive need-based aid, forcing most families to pay nearly the full sticker price. The 71.70% graduation rate means three in ten students leave without degrees but potentially with debt. Your major choice determines everything here. Business and healthcare students see strong returns, but students in lower-paying fields face poor prospects given the high costs.
Belmont works financially for families who can afford $32,096 annually and students committed to high-earning majors. If you need substantial financial aid or plan to study fields outside business and healthcare, look elsewhere. The school's Nashville location provides internship and job opportunities, but only if you graduate in the right program and can handle the upfront costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belmont University worth the cost?
Belmont University costs $32,096 annually but graduates earn only $55,930 after 10 years, making the return on investment weaker than most private schools. The high acceptance rate (96%) and moderate graduation rate (71%) suggest academic standards may not justify the price tag.
What are the best paying majors at Belmont University?
Pharmacy graduates from Belmont University earn around $110,643 annually, making it the strongest financial choice. Business Administration ($116,083) and Nursing ($84,653) also provide decent returns, while general business majors earn significantly less at $80,669.
How much debt do Belmont University students graduate with?
Belmont University graduates carry a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with average earnings of $55,930, students still face a debt-to-income ratio that requires careful financial planning.
Does Belmont University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $32,096 after aid, Belmont University's financial assistance brings costs down from the full sticker price but still leaves students paying significantly more than public alternatives. The aid package may not be sufficient for middle-class families seeking strong ROI.