Acceptance Rate
50%
Avg. SAT
1298
75th percentile
“A small Christian liberal arts haven in Jackson, Mississippi, blending faith with creative and academic depth.”
Jackson, MS
Location
Midsize City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Jackson, Mississippi, Belhaven University stands as a private Christian liberal arts institution with a history stretching back to 1883. Founded as a women’s college, it has evolved over the decades into a coeducational university that remains deeply rooted in Presbyterian values, emphasizing faith as a cornerstone of learning and life. This isn’t a sprawling campus or a research giant; with just over 2,200 undergraduates, Belhaven offers an intimate setting where personal growth and spiritual exploration often take center stage.
The school draws students who seek a close-knit community and are comfortable with a faith-based perspective woven into their education. If you’re someone who values small class discussions, mentorship from professors, and a campus that feels like a family, you’ll likely find your place here. However, if you’re looking for a secular environment or a large, bustling university with endless options, Belhaven’s focused mission and smaller scale might feel limiting.
Jackson, the state capital, provides a backdrop of Southern charm mixed with urban challenges. The city offers a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites and a vibrant music scene rooted in blues and gospel, but it’s not a major metropolis. Students often engage with the local community through service projects, reflecting Belhaven’s commitment to outreach, though some may find the city’s slower pace and limited entertainment options a tradeoff compared to bigger college towns.
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Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Belhaven University carves out a niche with its strong programs in the arts, particularly dance, theatre, and creative writing, which stand out among small Christian colleges. The university’s dance department, for instance, is one of the few in the region accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, offering rigorous training with a faith-infused perspective. You can expect a curriculum that balances liberal arts breadth—think literature, history, and philosophy—with specialized tracks, all while encouraging students to view their work through a spiritual lens.
Classrooms here are often small, fostering direct interaction with faculty who prioritize teaching over research. This setup suits students who thrive on personal attention, but it also means fewer cutting-edge facilities or expansive research opportunities compared to larger universities. Some popular programs, like nursing or business, may have limited spots or resources, so early planning is key if you’re set on a specific major.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,614 undergrad • 2,599 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
26%
Black / African American
49%
Hispanic / Latino
3%
Asian
1%
Other / Multi-racial
21%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Jackson, MS
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Belhaven revolves around community and faith, with chapel services, student-led worship, and service initiatives shaping much of the rhythm of a typical week. You’ll find traditions like the annual Singing Christmas Tree—a massive outdoor choral performance—that bring the campus together in a uniquely festive way. Socially, the vibe is warm but low-key; don’t expect a wild party scene, as the university’s values emphasize wholesome activities over late-night revelry.
Living on campus, often in traditional dorms, reinforces the tight-knit feel, though housing options are straightforward and not particularly modern. The Mississippi weather can be a challenge, with hot, humid summers and unpredictable storms, and Jackson’s cost of living is relatively affordable but lacks the amenities of larger cities. For students who crave constant action or a more urban campus experience, Belhaven’s quieter, faith-focused atmosphere might feel too insular at times.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Collegiate Conference of the South
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$14,240
$30K – $48K
$25,294
$48K – $75K
$14,235
$75K – $110K
$16,985
$110K+
$17,356
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Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
68%
4 Years Graduation Rate
42%
6 Years Graduation Rate
47%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$46,440
68% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Belhaven University and return in the fall. 42% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 47% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
42%
4-5 years
5%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
52%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$27,980
Acceptance
50%
Undergrads
1,614
4-Year Grad Rate
42%
Endowment
$23M
Jackson, MS 39202
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