Belmont University Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on May 31, 2026
What This Page Covers:- 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
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- 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
🏆 Full tuition available (E.S. Rose Scholarship & Ingram Achievers Scholarship)
Average Net Price
$32,096/year
Average paid.
Automatic Merit
$4,000–$24,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
21 opportunities
7 automatic · 6 competitive · 6 hidden gem · 2 honors
Merit Evaluation
Holistic Review / Varies
Merit depends on profile rigor.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Dec 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
E.S. Rose Scholarship & Ingram Achievers Scholarship
Honors College
Honors Program Available
Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA Only
🚨 Easy-to-Miss “Gotchas” at Belmont University (Read This First)
- 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.
💰 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.
Reciprocity & Regional Discounts:
Belmont is a private university, so tuition and fees are the same for all students regardless of residency.
It does not participate in WUE, NEBHE, MSEP, or other public reciprocity programs.
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.
Sources:
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
Automatic
Trustee Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with need-based and some outside awards, but is replaced if a top university scholarship — the Archer Presidential or William Randolph Hearst Endowed — is awarded. Think of it as your floor, not your ceiling.
💡
Strategic Detail
Highest general academic merit tier for enrollment, listed at $22,000 annually. Belmont does not publish fixed GPA or test score cutoffs for automatic merit tiers — placement is determined holistically.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
The very top academic performers in Belmont's incoming class — students whose GPA, course rigor, essay, and overall profile place them in approximately the top tier of admitted applicants. No hard cutoff is published, but this is a highly competitive band.
Automatic
Provost Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with need-based and some outside aid, but is replaced if a top university scholarship (Archer Presidential or Hearst Endowed) is awarded.
💡
Strategic Detail
Second-highest general academic merit scholarship for 2026-2027 enrollment, set at $19,000 per year. No published hard cutoffs — award is determined through Belmont's holistic merit review.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
High-achieving applicants whose academic profile — strong GPA, rigorous curriculum, and solid optional test scores — places them just below Belmont's very top admitted tier. A great landing spot for students with impressive but not perfect-on-paper credentials.
Automatic
Founders Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with need-based and some talent or departmental awards. Replaced by top university scholarships if the student is selected for those more competitive awards.
💡
Strategic Detail
Mid-upper general academic merit tier for 2026-2027 at $17,000 annually. Belmont does not publish formal cut scores for any automatic merit tier.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with strong GPAs and solid course rigor who fall into Belmont's mid-to-high merit band. A very common landing spot for well-rounded applicants with consistent academic records.
Automatic
Belmont Distinguished Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be packaged with need-based and some outside funds. Will be replaced if a higher automatic or top university scholarship is awarded.
💡
Strategic Detail
Middle general academic merit tier for 2026-2027, awarded at $12,000 per year. Approximately 70% of admitted first-year students receive some merit award — this tier captures a significant share.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with solid academic records who are admissible to Belmont but whose profile sits below the highest scholarship tiers. Still a meaningful $12,000 per year — nothing to overlook.
Automatic
Belmont Achievement Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
May stack with talent, departmental, and outside scholarships. Subject to Belmont's overall aid and replacement rules if a higher scholarship is later awarded.
💡
Strategic Detail
Entry-upper general academic merit award for 2026-2027 at $9,000 annually. Belmont notes that roughly 70% of admitted first-year students receive some form of merit scholarship.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Solid, admissible students with good academics who fall into Belmont's lower mid-range merit band. $9,000 per year still adds up to $36,000 over four years — real money.
Automatic
Belmont Leadership Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Can be combined with talent and outside awards. Superseded by higher general merit or top university scholarships if those are later awarded.
💡
Strategic Detail
Smallest general academic merit tier for 2026-2027 at $4,000 per year, with emphasis on leadership and involvement alongside academics. Belmont states the merit range runs from $4,000 to $22,000.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Admissible students with solid academics and notable leadership or extracurricular involvement. This is the entry point of Belmont's merit grid — $4,000 per year is still $16,000 in guaranteed money over four years.
Automatic
National Merit Finalist Scholarship
📅 Deadline: March (per NMSC schedule)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
$24,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces any previously awarded Belmont general academic merit scholarship — it sits above the entire automatic merit grid. Finalists subsequently named National Merit Scholars by NMSC may receive an additional $1,000/year from the National Merit Scholarship Program, subject to NMSC rules. Note: Finalists selected for a 'National' or 'Corporate-Sponsored' NMSC award are ineligible for that additional $1,000.
💡
Strategic Detail
Belmont awards $24,000 per year to National Merit Finalists who designate Belmont as first choice. An additional $1,000/year applies only to NMSC-designated National Merit Scholars (corporate- and nationally-sponsored awardees excluded).
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: National Merit Finalists who designate Belmont as their first-choice school with NMSC and enroll full-time. At $24,000 per year, this is the highest automatic merit award Belmont offers — and it comes with no separate application required.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*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.
Sources:
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.
App Required
Community Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1 admission recommended; scholarship deadline typically later in the cycle.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited number of awards in biennial cycles. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Half-tuition institutional scholarship that typically reduces or replaces other institutional merit awards; may coordinate with need-based aid subject to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission and complete the Community Scholarship application as instructed; awards are made on a biennial basis in even-numbered years.
Selection criteria: Holistic competitive process weighing academic performance, financial need, and geographic proximity to the campus, with interviews or additional review for finalists.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Half-tuition award offered on a biennial basis in even-numbered years for nearby residents with need and strong academics.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming first-year students with demonstrated financial need and above-average academics who live in proximity to the Belmont University campus. Offered only in even-numbered years
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographicneed_basedidentity_basedservice
E.S. Rose Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1 admission recommended for best consideration; scholarship deadline typically follows.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition_discount
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Need‑aware full‑tuition Belmont scholarship for MNPS students, with preference for those living near E.S. Rose Park and completing required community service in that neighborhood.
👥 ~Limited number of awards each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Half- and full-tuition institutional award; replaces general merit awards and coordinates with other need-based aid up to the cost of attendance.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission and submit the E.S. Rose Scholarship application as directed; selection includes review of financial need, academic potential, and community connection.
Selection criteria: Selection based on financial need, academic promise, community involvement, and connection to the E.S. Rose Park community, with finalists reviewed holistically.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Half- and full-tuition scholarships for eligible students from Metro Nashville public schools; preference for those living near E.S. Rose Park. Full details and application process available via the linked E.S. Rose PDF on Belmont's SFS site.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
A limited number of deserving incoming first-year students with demonstrated financial need who attend Metro Nashville public schools, with preference for students living near E.S. Rose Park.
Full TuitionApp Requiredgeographicidentity_based
Ingram Achievers Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1 (recommended to maximize consideration)
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
tuition_discount
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Full‑tuition Belmont scholarship limited to high‑achieving, leadership‑oriented first‑year students from the Nashville area.
👥 ~Four recipients per incoming class; traditionally approximately eight finalists invited to interview. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Full-tuition institutional award that replaces general academic merit scholarships. May be combined with certain outside scholarships up to the cost-of-attendance limit.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for freshman admission and complete any required Ingram Achievers materials by the stated deadline; finalists are invited to interview.
Selection criteria: Competitive selection based on academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, and fit with the program's goals; finalists are interviewed.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Four full-tuition scholarships annually for incoming first-year students from the Nashville area. Competitive selection with a finalist interview component; traditionally ~8 finalists are invited for 4 awards.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Four incoming first-year students from the Nashville, Tennessee area who present outstanding academic and leadership records. Traditionally, about eight finalists are invited to interview for the four available awards.
App Required
Turner Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1 admission recommended for top consideration.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~Limited number of awards each year depending on funding. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
$7,500 per year that can supplement or combine with other forms of Belmont aid, subject to overall cost-of-attendance policies.
📄
How to Apply
Apply for admission and submit the Turner Scholarship materials by the posted deadline; selection emphasizes academic record and financial need for students from rural high schools.
Selection criteria: Competitive review of academic achievements, rural school background, and financial need; no interview is typically required.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
$7,500 annual award for first-year students from rural high schools with strong academics and demonstrated need. Stackable with other Belmont aid.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming first-year students from rural high schools with outstanding academic records and demonstrated financial need. A meaningful hidden gem for students from smaller communities that often gets overlooked.
Full RideAutomatic
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1 · 📢 Results: Mid to late January for finalist notifications; final award decision made after on-campus interviews in early spring
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~One recipient per incoming class; around five finalists invited to interview. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
As a full cost-of-attendance award, it replaces all other Belmont merit scholarships. Outside and private scholarships may still be permitted within cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Covers full tuition, fees, room, board, and books for up to four years. Traditionally five finalists are invited to interview for this single award annually.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: One incoming first-year student each year with outstanding academic performance, leadership, and demonstrated potential for impact. Traditionally five finalists are invited to interview — this is as competitive as it gets at Belmont.
Full RideAutomatic
Archer Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1 · 📢 Results: Mid to late January for finalist notifications; final awards made after on-campus interviews in early spring
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Approximately five recipients per incoming class; around twelve finalists invited to interview. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Replaces all other Belmont general academic merit scholarships. Outside and private scholarships may be added, but total aid cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
💡
Strategic Detail
Belmont's most competitive scholarship. Covers full tuition, mandatory fees, standard room and board, and books for eight consecutive semesters. Roughly twelve finalists are invited to interview for approximately five awards each year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Approximately five incoming first-year students drawn from roughly the top 2% of all applicants. Strong candidates typically carry a cumulative GPA above 4.5 (weighted) and an ACT of 35 or SAT of 1530 if submitted, plus exceptional leadership and service records. About twelve finalists are invited to interview — excellence on that interview day matters enormously.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships
Beyond the automatic and flagship scholarships, Belmont provides need-based, identity-based, and talent awards that can create opportunities for families looking to stack state, federal, and private support with university aid.
App Required
Songwriting Endowed Scholarships
📅 Deadline: November 1 · 📢 Results: December 2025 for those who audition via video by November 1 with EA I application; March for later submissions
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
👥 ~One scholarship per year (endowed); amount varies annually. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Explicitly stackable with Belmont's general academic merit scholarships — Belmont states these endowed awards can be combined with a general merit award. This is rare and makes it one of the most valuable hidden-gem opportunities on campus for songwriting-bound students.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to the Belmont Songwriting program via the Acceptd portal (busm.getacceptd.com), submitting a video portfolio of two original songs (max 7 minutes) and three short-answer questions. Submit the Songwriting portfolio by the November 1 deadline to be considered. Apply for Belmont general admission simultaneously. Submit FAFSA — financial need is considered alongside merit.
Selection criteria: Evaluated on songwriting portfolio quality (melody, lyric, harmonic construction, originality), general academic merit criteria, and financial need where applicable. Portfolio reviewed by Songwriting faculty.
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
One merit-based endowed scholarship awarded annually to a first-year Songwriting major in the Mike Curb College. Amount varies each year. Both merit and financial need are considered — FAFSA submission is strongly encouraged. Stackable with general academic merit scholarships, making the total package potentially significant for eligible students.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming first-year students admitted to the Mike Curb College Songwriting program who submit a compelling original portfolio by November 1 and meet Belmont's general merit scholarship criteria. Award amounts vary year to year based on endowment. Students with both strong academics and strong songwriting talent can effectively layer this on top of their automatic merit award.
App Required
Alumni Legacy Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Varies by admission and scholarship processing timeline
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed to supplement existing merit or need-based aid; generally stacks with other Belmont and outside scholarships within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Indicate alumni relationship on the Belmont application and/or complete any required Alumni Legacy form with the admissions or scholarship office to verify parent, grandparent, or sibling alumni status.
Selection criteria: Award is tied primarily to verified alumni relationship rather than competitive academic ranking.
💡
Strategic Detail
CRP content cites a $2,000 per year benefit for legacies; Belmont may adjust eligibility or award amounts in future years.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Admitted undergraduates with verified parent, grandparent, or sibling alumni connections to Belmont who enroll full time.
Full RideApp Required
Bell Tower Scholarship
📅 Deadline: January 15
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Ride
full_cost_of_attendance
✘ Not stackable
👥 ~Very limited cohort selected each year. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
As a full-ride scholarship covering tuition, room, board, and books, it replaces other Belmont institutional merit; federal, state, and outside aid may still be layered within cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Submit a Bell Tower program application in addition to Belmont admission; selection involves a review of academics, leadership, and financial need for students from select Nashville public high schools.
Selection criteria: Holistic selection based on academic potential, leadership, community engagement, and financial need; finalists participate in interviews or selection events.
✎ Essays🎤 Interview🌟 Finalist Event
💡
Strategic Detail
Designed to provide comprehensive funding for high-potential MNPS students; specific partner schools are described in Belmont’s Bell Tower program details.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Academically promising students from select Metro Nashville public high schools who are identified through the program and demonstrate strong potential and significant financial need.
Automatic⚠ All Undergrad Only
Belmont Grant-in-Aid
📅 Deadline: June 30 (federal FAFSA deadline); earlier filing recommended
✓ Renews
👥 ~Subject to annual institutional aid budget. winners/yr🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Need-based institutional grant that stacks with federal, state, and merit aid but may be adjusted as other resources change to keep total aid within cost-of-attendance limits.
💡
Strategic Detail
Award amounts vary depending on financial need, funding, and other aid in the package; not guaranteed from year to year.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with demonstrated financial need based on FAFSA results and Belmont’s institutional methodology.
App Required
CMPA Music Scholarships
📅 Deadline: November 1 recommended for earliest audition dates
✓ Renews (2.75 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 2.8+ GPA👥 ~Limited by CMPA scholarship budget; distribution depends on studio and program needs. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Talent-based awards that generally stack with academic merit, need-based aid, and external scholarships up to cost-of-attendance limits.
📄
How to Apply
Apply to a qualifying music major in the College of Music & Performing Arts and complete a required audition by the stated audition dates to be considered for departmental music scholarships.
Selection criteria: Awards are based primarily on audition performance, musical potential, and fit with program needs; academic standing must meet minimum thresholds.
💡
Strategic Detail
Includes named awards such as Acuff, Barton Barrett, Brewer Church, Phillips Memorial, Presser, and Ganus; most are renewable with continued major status and minimum GPA.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Outstanding music students (voice, keyboard, instrumental, etc.) who major in music and present strong auditions; roughly a quarter to a third of auditioning students receive some level of music scholarship.
App Required
CMPA Performance Scholarships
📅 Deadline: November 1 (EA I video audition submission — decisions issued December 2025) · 📢 Results: December for November 1 EA I video auditions; March for post-November 1 auditions
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
🏫 3.0+ GPA👥 ~Approximately 25–30% of entering CMPA students receive an award. winners/yr
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with Belmont's general academic merit scholarships — CMPA performance scholarships are awarded separately from and in addition to any university-level merit or need-based aid. This is one of the cleanest stacking opportunities at Belmont: a strong academic record plus a strong audition can mean two distinct awards working together.
📄
How to Apply
Audition or submit a portfolio as part of the CMPA admissions process — students are automatically considered for performance-based scholarships at the time of their audition or portfolio submission. No separate scholarship application is required. Music students audition or submit video; Theatre and Dance students audition per CMPA requirements. Overall scholarship deadline for Fall is February 22.
Selection criteria: Performance-based evaluation by CMPA faculty; awards distributed across voice, keyboard, and instrumental departments for music. Approximately 25–30% of auditioners receive an award. Dean's Scholar Award reserved for a select number of exceptional students identified through the audition process.
💡
Strategic Detail
Talent-based scholarships awarded by the College of Music & Performing Arts to incoming undergraduate music, theatre, and dance majors based on audition or portfolio — completely separate from university-level academic merit aid. Awarded to roughly 25–30% of entering CMPA students. Includes the CMPA Dean's Scholar Award for standout students. Renewable for up to four years with a 3.0 GPA and continued full-time enrollment as a declared major. Award amounts vary.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Approximately 25–30% of entering CMPA students receive a performance-based scholarship. Awards go to incoming music, theatre, and dance majors who demonstrate exceptional performance skills in their audition or portfolio. The CMPA Dean's Scholar Award is reserved for a select number of standout students and comes with additional enrichment opportunities like mentorship and exclusive events.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
*Most awards and eligibility are sourced from official Belmont, Tennessee government, or federal aid documentation. Specific amounts for state/federal programs may vary based on actual appropriations and family need.
- Music scholarships (talent-based; Acuff, Barton Barrett, Brewer Church, Phillips Memorial, Presser, Ganus, and more for various music majors/areas)
- Dean’s Scholarship for Promising Educators (College of Education)
- O’More College of Architecture & Design departmental awards
- Other donor and departmental funds available via individual academic units
Hidden Gems FAQ
Do these scholarships stack with Belmont’s automatic or flagship awards?
Yes, most can be layered on top of academic merit, except flagship awards, which typically replace auto merit. State, federal, and departmental awards often stack.
Are these awards automatic?
No—from program applications, auditions, or FAFSA filing, most require some extra steps compared to general merit.
Can out-of-state students qualify?
Yes. While some (HOPE, TSAA) are for Tennessee residents, music, donor, dean’s, and architecture/education awards are open to nonresidents.
Is Belmont a QuestBridge partner?
No. Belmont is not a QuestBridge National College Match partner school.
Sources:
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/cmpa/music-auditions-scholarships.html
https://catalog.belmont.edu/content.php?catoid=6&navoid=1297
https://www.tn.gov/collegepays/article/hope-scholarship
https://www.tn.gov/collegepays/article/tsaa
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell-grant
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/fseog
🎖️ 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.
What a Typical Belmont Honors Student Looks Like:
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.
Perks That Matter:
- 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
Automatic
Global Honors Scholarship
📅 Deadline: November 1 recommended for admission and scholarship consideration. · 📢 Results: Typically released with or shortly after Honors admission decisions.
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Awarded on top of any general academic merit scholarship for Global Honors students. Think of it as a bonus $2,000 per year — up to $8,000 over four years — just for being in the Honors program, provided you remain in good standing.
💡
Strategic Detail
A $2,000 annual add-on scholarship for Global Honors students, renewable each year through senior year provided the student remains in good standing in the program. Stacks cleanly on top of any general merit award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Incoming first-year students admitted to the Global Honors program who remain active and in good academic standing in Honors throughout all four years.
Automatic⚠ Sophomore Only
Honors College Study Abroad Support
📅 Deadline: Aligned with Honors program admission and study abroad planning timelines.
Non-Renewable
🎓 Sophomore
✚
Stacking & Combining
Designed specifically to offset the added cost of the required Honors semester abroad — not a general scholarship. Can be used alongside other aid but is limited to covering extra study abroad expenses above standard on-campus costs.
💡
Strategic Detail
Belmont's Global Honors model requires a study abroad semester, and the university provides structured financial support to make it affordable. Amount varies based on the specific abroad program and incremental cost differential.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Global Honors students in good standing who participate in the required sophomore-year abroad term. If you're in the program, this funding is essentially built in.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
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.
Sources:
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.
Spotlight Program:
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.
Final Thoughts
Belmont can feel like a big investment, but the right mix of scholarships and aid can make it far more affordable than the sticker price suggests. From automatic merit to flagship full rides, plus hidden gems like the Ingram Achievers and Bell Tower programs, there are real pathways for families to cut costs. Add in Tennessee HOPE and federal aid, and Belmont can be within reach for many more students than you might think.
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