Belmont University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on April 1, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~95%
- Middle 50% ACT: 27
- Middle 50% SAT: 1255
- Average GPA: 3.89
- Below the typical ranges: Belmont is technically high-acceptance, but the academic profile is stronger than families expect. Treat this like a soft reach—apply early and make sure essays and activities show real direction (especially for programs like music, business, or health fields).
- In the typical ranges: This is a true match for admission, but not for top money. You’ll likely get some automatic merit, but don’t expect it to dramatically change the price without stacking other aid.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in position for strong merit, but the biggest awards (like Archer) are extremely competitive. Think of Belmont as a “partial discount school,” not a guaranteed full-ride—even with top stats.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 Belmont University at a Glance
- High sticker price + limited automatic relief: Even strong students typically receive $3,000–$22,000 per year, which still leaves a significant gap at a private school price point.
- The full-ride exists—but it’s a lottery-level outcome: The Archer Presidential Scholarship is incredible, but only about five students per year receive it. Many families mistakenly treat this as “in play” when it’s really a long shot.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — Belmont University is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 27; SAT: 1255.
Average net price? About $32,096/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? No — private school; same rate for all.
Incoming freshman scholarships page: https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshman-scholarships.html
Honors College site: https://www.belmont.edu/academics/honors-college/index.html
Belmont scholarships overview: https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/index.html
National Merit scholarship page: https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/national-merit.html
Competitive scholarships page: https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarships.html
CMPA music auditions and scholarships page: https://www.belmont.edu/cmpa/music-auditions-scholarships.html
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Belmont University 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $43,750 | $43,750 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $15,530 | $15,530 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $59,280 | $59,280 |
Average Federal Net Price: $32,096 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state vs. out-of-state rates?
Belmont is private, so tuition is the same for all students, no matter where they live.
How much do most families actually pay?
The official average net price is $32,096 after scholarships and grants (2022–23 federal data).
Strong academic students often lower this further with Belmont’s automatic and competitive merit awards.
Do I need to apply separately for need-based aid?
Yes. Belmont requires the FAFSA (not the CSS Profile) for all need-based, state, and federal aid.
Tuition & Fees — https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/first-year/tuition-aid.html
Housing & Meal Rates — https://www.belmont.edu/res-life/housing/rates.html
Financial Aid Overview — https://www.belmont.edu/sfs/_files/25-26-financial-aid-booklet.pdf
FAFSA Policy — https://www.belmont.edu/sfs/financial-aid/filing-fafsa.html
College Scorecard (Average Net Price) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?219709-Belmont-University
IPEDS / NCES Data Center — https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=219709
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee Scholarship | $22,000/yr | Top academic profile; GPA, rigor, test scores (if submitted) | No | Yes (good standing) | ~3.9–4.0 GPA; ACT 31–35/SAT 1400–1530, plus leadership | Nov 1 (Early Action I priority) |
| Provost Scholarship | $19,000/yr | Strong academics; admission review | No | Yes | ~3.8–3.9 GPA; ACT 29–31/SAT 1320–1400 | Nov 1 |
| Founders Scholarship | $17,000/yr | Strong academics; admission review | No | Yes | ~3.7–3.8 GPA; ACT 27–29/SAT 1260–1320 | Nov 1 |
| Belmont Distinguished | $12,000/yr | Solid academics; admission review | No | Yes | ~3.5–3.7 GPA; ACT 25–27/SAT 1200–1250 | Nov 1 |
| Belmont Achievement | $9,000/yr | Good academics; admission review | No | Yes | ~3.4–3.6 GPA; ACT 24–26/SAT 1180–1230 | Nov 1 |
| Belmont Leadership | $4,000/yr | Demonstrated involvement and academics | No | Yes | ~3.3–3.5 GPA; ACT 22–24/SAT 1100–1180 | Nov 1 |
| National Merit Finalist | $24,000 over 4 years | Listed Belmont as first choice; Finalist | No (admission + NMSC process) | Yes (maintain eligibility) | National Merit Finalists; replaces other merit awards | March (NMSC deadlines) |
*GPA/test bands are estimates based on published tiers and class profile; actual thresholds may shift based on applicant pool.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to submit a separate application?
No—just apply for admission. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards.
Does Belmont superscore test results?
Yes. Belmont accepts superscored ACT and SAT results if submitted.
Can I stack these awards with other scholarships?
Yes, but flagship competitive awards (Archer Presidential, Hearst) replace the automatic merit scholarship.
What’s the priority deadline?
Apply by November 1 (Early Action I) to maximize merit consideration and qualify for top-tier awards.
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/index.html
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshman-scholarships.html
https://www.belmont.edu/academics/honors-college/index.html
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/national-merit.html
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarships.html
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Belmont’s most competitive scholarships)
These awards are Belmont’s top, university-level competitive scholarships—highly selective, limited in number, and typically replace general automatic merit scholarships for those selected.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room, board & books (4 years) | First-year applicants identified from Trustee-tier admits; elite academics and leadership required. Interview required. | No – apply for admission by Nov 1 (Early Action I); finalists invited to interview. | Yes, up to 8 semesters (continuous, maintain eligibility) | ~5 students per year; 4.0-level GPA, rigorous AP/IB/Honors, ACT ~35+/SAT ~1530+ if tested, extensive service/impact | Nov 1 (Early Action I) |
| William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room, board & books (4 years) | First-year applicants selected from top scholarship cohort, typically those in Trustee-tier stats. Finalist interview required. | No – included in admission review; finalist interview by invitation | Yes, up to 8 semesters (continuous, meet award terms) | 1 student per year; standout academic record and leadership/service; compelling finalist interview | Nov 1 (Early Action I) |
Notes: Flagship awards generally replace previously awarded automatic merit. Finalist interviews are required; numbers awarded are very limited each year.
Flagship (Competitive) Scholarship FAQ
Are these competitive scholarships separate from automatic merit?
Yes. Belmont’s flagship scholarships replace automatic merit awards if you’re selected for one of these limited, top competitive scholarships.
How do I apply?
No separate scholarship application—submit your admission application by November 1 (Early Action I). Belmont then invites the highest-achieving candidates for interviews and final consideration.
How competitive are they?
Extremely. Only about five Archer and one Hearst scholarships are awarded each year. Recipients excel in both academics and leadership/service.
Can flagship awards stack with other scholarships?
Flagship awards do not stack with automatic merit—they replace them. Private/outside scholarships may still be added per Belmont’s aid rules.
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/index.html
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/incoming-freshman-scholarships.html
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/competitive-scholarships.html
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/first-year.html
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/national-merit.html
🎖️ Honors College
Belmont’s Global Honors Program offers high-achieving students an intensive, seminar-based curriculum that replaces most general education requirements, featuring global experiences and rigorous academics. Admission is selective, and the program’s distinctive perks shape a student’s academic and personal growth.
Commonly has a GPA of 3.7+ (invited to apply at 3.5+), rigorous high school curriculum, standout writing and leadership/service record. Test scores are considered only if submitted, but top candidates often have ACT/SAT scores in college’s highest bands.
- Sophomore-year study abroad required (families pay standard Belmont tuition, room, and board—no extra charge for international experience)
- Small, interactive Honors seminars and a flexible core curriculum
- Faculty mentorship and rich undergraduate research opportunities
- Priority course registration
No Dedicated Scholarship: Belmont Global Honors does not provide a separate Honors-only scholarship that reduces tuition. Participation does not directly yield a tuition discount or institutional grant.
Access to Competitive Scholarships: Honors students are prime candidates for flagship awards such as the Archer Presidential and William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarships, but selection for those is separate and not automatic.
Study Abroad Value: Belmont covers all additional costs for the required sophomore semester abroad, ensuring that Honors students pay no more than they would for a semester at Belmont’s Nashville campus. Standard financial aid applies to the semester abroad.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic if I’m admitted to Belmont?
No. Students must submit a separate Belmont Global Honors application (essay and resume). Most are invited to apply with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors seminars replace much of Belmont’s BELL Core, so most students finish in four years if on track with their major.
When is the priority application deadline?
Apply to the Honors Program alongside Belmont’s admissions application—December 1 is the official priority deadline for full review and best merit scholarship consideration.
Does Honors come with exclusive scholarships?
No direct Honors-only funding; however, the study abroad benefit and strong odds for competitive merit awards are unique perks for Honors students.
https://www.belmont.edu/academics/honors-college/index.html
https://www.belmont.edu/academics/honors-college/global-honors-program.html
https://catalog.belmont.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1297
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/first-year.html
https://www.belmont.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships/index.html
https://www.belmont.edu/academics/honors-college/study-abroad.html
⭐ College Specialty
Belmont has built a reputation that goes well beyond Nashville. Parents often hear about the music business connection—and for good reason. Belmont sits at the center of the entertainment industry, while also excelling in health sciences and professional programs that set graduates up for strong career pipelines.
Music Business (Mike Curb College) — Consistently ranked by Billboard as one of the nation’s top Music Business Schools, with AACSB-accredited coursework and direct ties to Nashville’s recording studios and industry leaders.
- Nursing (Inman College of Nursing) — NCLEX pass rates near 100% in recent years; one of Tennessee’s strongest nursing programs with outstanding clinical placements.
- Business (Massey College of Business) — AACSB accredited in both business and accounting, a distinction held by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide.
- Audio Engineering Technology — One of only a handful of programs accredited by ABET; located in Nashville, it gives students direct access to recording and production careers.
- Film & Media Production — Regularly included in Variety’s Top Film Schools lists, with state-of-the-art facilities and industry internships.
📎 Official Links
- Belmont University Homepage
- Global Honors Program
- Student Financial Services (Scholarships & Financial Aid)