Admit rate has ranged 43%–64% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Belhaven University is a small Christian liberal arts college in Jackson, Mississippi, with a surprisingly global reach—students hail from 17 countries, and its Billy Kim International Center anchors a curriculum that blends faith with practical career preparation. Known for its 'Double Major - 5th Year Free' program and strong business, education, and biblical studies majors, Belhaven balances academic rigor (it’s Mississippi’s most selective college) with a tight-knit, ministry-driven campus culture.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Letters of recommendation
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
1,471
In-state tuition
$30,250
Out-of-state tuition
$30,250
Location
Jackson, MS
Signature Perk
Double Major - 5th Year Free
Acceptance Rate
~50%
6-Year Grad Rate
47–51%
Notable Programs
Business, Biblical Studies, Computer Information Systems
Median Alumni Earnings
$38,987–$50,808
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$46,440
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.0×
Median debt at graduation
$26,333
Graduation rate
49%
First-year retention
68%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
46%
Pell (lower-income) share
71%
First-generation share
40%
Endowment / student
$5,411
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Business Administration, Management and Operations$45,636
Health and Medical Administrative Services$38,289
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other$33,993
Social Sciences, General$30,228
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness$22,534
Psychology, General
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
0
Per 1,000 students
0.00
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
93
Summer high
90°F
Winter low
41°F
Annual rain
62.5"
Annual snow
1.4"
Natural-hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
20
Scholarly works
228
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
3.2%
Bottom → top quintile
25%
From bottom quintile
13%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Belhaven University?
Belhaven University's acceptance rate is approximately 50% (Jackson, MS), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Belhaven University?
Admitted students at Belhaven University typically score 1010–1298 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Belhaven University cost?
At Belhaven University, the average net price (after aid) is about $15,676 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Belhaven University?
Belhaven University enrolls approximately 1,471 undergraduate students.
Where is Belhaven University located?
Belhaven University is located in Jackson, MS.
Admissions
Belhaven is Mississippi’s most selective college, with Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. hovering around 50%—though sources vary slightly, from 46% (Testbook) to 53.2% (PrepScholar). Mid-50% SAT scores range from 1000–1190, while ACT scores typically fall between 18–23. The average admitted student has a 3.5 GPA. Notably, the university emphasizes Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone., with one student testimonial highlighting how professors 'know their fields' and foster close mentorship, suggesting admissions values fit beyond stats.
Business (40% of majors), education (19%), and biblical studies (13%) dominate Belhaven’s undergraduate offerings, but its Computer Information Systems program—which 'bridges business and technology'—exemplifies its career-forward approach within a Christian framework. The standout perk? A 'Double Major - 5th Year Free' deal where students pay no tuition for a fifth year needed to complete a second major. Faculty are praised for blending discipline expertise with faith integration, and programs like visual/performing arts and health sciences round out a curriculum that’s heavy on applied learning.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$17,242
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
With students from 17 countries, Belhaven’s campus pulses with global energy—epitomized by the Dr. Billy Kim International Center. A YouTube testimonial describes initial culture shock giving way to deep belonging, aided by resident advisor support and ministries. Intramurals, academic clubs, and student-led worship abound, but the vibe is decidedly intimate: Facebook posts highlight 'relationships with professors' and dorm jobs that foster community. Niche reviews note the campus feels safe, though some critique limited dining options.
Six-year graduation rates sit at 47–51%, with four-year rates at 42%—middling but above some regional peers. Alumni median earnings are $38,987–$50,808, with business grads faring best. The 68% first-year retention rate suggests students who stay thrive, and Belhaven touts award-winning outcomes from U.S. News, though specifics aren’t detailed. Notably, administrative services and education graduates earn below the median ($38,481 and $41,855, respectively), reflecting Mississippi’s lower wage scales.
Tuition runs $40,510, but 85% of first-years receive Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements. averaging $7,710. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator and 'Shopping Sheet' tools help families estimate real costs, and Belhaven emphasizes customized aid packages—though final awards depend on FAFSA verification. Scholarships and grants are heavily promoted, but the university’s financial aid pages lack transparency about average debt or loan defaults.
Belhaven’s singularity lies in its fusion of global perspective (17 countries represented) with Deep South charm, plus an academic model that rewards ambition—the free fifth year for double majors is a rare perk. Its status as Mississippi’s most selective college (per DOE data) surprises given its small size, and the Computer Information Systems program’s business-tech hybrid curriculum shows pragmatic adaptability within a faith-based framework. For students seeking close mentorship and a values-driven education with just enough edge to stand out in job markets, Belhaven delivers.
Belhaven University logo · sourceVirtual Tour: Belhaven University | Jackson, MS · sourceCampus Operations: Belhaven University | Jackson, MS · sourceVirtual Tour: Belhaven University | Jackson, MS · source
