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's financial return is mixed. You'll pay roughly $32,000 a year, and ten years out the median graduate earns about $56,000. That gap means Belmont works if you land in the right major, but the sticker price leaves little room for a weak-paying degree. The upside: median debt at graduation stays modest at $20,500, and the 71.7% grad rate plus 83.7% retention mean you're likely to finish and start earning.
Accounting and nursing are your safest bets here. Accounting graduates lead at $56,415, and nursing pairs $55,026 in earnings with the lowest debt on the list at $18,750 , a strong ratio in Nashville, where hospital demand is steady. General business and business administration lag behind, and business/commerce grads carry $23,550 in debt against $52,107 in pay, so the same field can leave you in very different shape depending on which business track you pick. Liberal arts and general studies pays the least at $47,260, which barely clears your annual net price.
The main risk is the price itself. If your family earns over $110,000, you'll pay close to $43,000 a year, and only the top-earning majors justify that outlay. Below $30,000, your net price drops to about $19,500 , still real money at a private school, but far more defensible against a $55,000 median salary. The middle tiers, $48,000 to $110,000, land in the $27,000-$33,000 range where the math depends heavily on your major.
Belmont fits you if you're headed into accounting or nursing, or if your family income keeps your net price in the lower tiers. Look elsewhere if you're paying full freight for a liberal arts or general business degree , the earnings won't stretch to cover it.
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.