Belmont University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
Belmont is a private university right in the heart of Nashville, and the price tag can look intimidating at first glance. The good news? Most students get a scholarship, and Belmont has some of the biggest competitive awards in the region. This guide breaks down what families need to know—along with tips on how to combine Belmont aid with Tennessee’s state scholarship programs.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Belmont University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits) | $43,750 | $43,750 |
| Housing & Meals | $15,530–$22,710 | $15,530–$22,710 |
| Books & Supplies | Up to $1,500 | Up to $1,500 |
| Travel | Not published | Not published |
| Personal Expenses | Not published | Not published |
| Total (before aid) | $59,280–$66,460 | $59,280–$66,460 |
Cost of Attendance FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state vs. out-of-state rates?
Belmont is private, so tuition is the same for every student regardless of residency.
How much do most families actually pay?
The average net price was about $37,558 in 2022–23 after scholarships and grants, though higher-achieving students often bring that down further with merit aid.
Do I need to apply separately for need-based aid?
Yes. Belmont requires the FAFSA (not the CSS Profile) for any federal, state, or need-based Belmont aid.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee | $22,000/yr | Top academic profile; strong GPA, rigor, test scores if submitted | No | Yes (maintain good standing) | ~3.9–4.0 GPA, ACT 31–35 / SAT 1400–1530* with leadership & rigor |
| Provost | $19,000/yr | Very strong academics; admission review | No | Yes | ~3.8–3.9 GPA, ACT 29–31 / SAT 1320–1400* |
| Founders | $17,000/yr | Strong academics; admission review | No | Yes | ~3.7–3.8 GPA, ACT 27–29 / SAT 1260–1320* |
| Belmont Distinguished | $12,000/yr | Solid academics; admission review | No | Yes | ~3.5–3.7 GPA, ACT 25–27 / SAT 1200–1250* |
| Belmont Achievement | $9,000/yr | Good academics; admission review | No | Yes | ~3.4–3.6 GPA, ACT 24–26 / SAT 1180–1230* |
| Belmont Leadership | $4,000/yr | Admitted students with demonstrated involvement and academics | No | Yes | ~3.3–3.5 GPA, ACT 22–24 / SAT 1100–1180* |
*Estimated GPA/test bands based on Belmont’s published tiers and class profile; actual cutoffs can shift each year depending on the applicant pool.
Note: Belmont also participates in the National Merit Scholarship program, offering $24,000 over four years to Finalists who list Belmont.
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 superscoring for both the ACT and SAT if you choose to submit scores.
Can I stack these awards with other scholarships?
Yes, but if you’re selected for a top competitive scholarship like the Archer or Hearst, those replace your automatic merit offer.
What’s the priority deadline?
Apply by November 1 for the strongest merit consideration and to be eligible for top-tier awards.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (Belmont’s most competitive scholarships)
These are Belmont’s top, university-level competitive scholarships—highly selective, limited in number, and typically replacing general automatic merit awards.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Archer Presidential Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room, board & books (4 years) | First-year applicants in the top academic/leadership pool; typically identified from Trustee-tier admits. Interview required. | No separate scholarship app; apply for admission by Early Action I (Nov 1) to be considered. | Yes (up to 8 semesters; maintain eligibility as specified in award terms) | National-level academics and leadership. Common signals: 4.0-level GPA with rigorous coursework; ACT 35 / SAT 1530 if tested; extensive service/impact. |
| William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship | Full tuition, fees, room, board & books (4 years) | First-year applicants selected from the top scholarship cohort; finalist interview. | No separate scholarship app; meet Early Action I (Nov 1) for selection into the top pool. | Yes (up to 8 semesters; maintain eligibility as specified) | Academic excellence with standout leadership/service; portfolio of achievements beyond classroom; compelling interviews. |
Notes: Flagship awards generally replace previously awarded automatic merit. Numbers of awards are limited each year and finalist interviews are typical.
Flagship (Competitive) Scholarship FAQ
Are these competitive scholarships separate from automatic merit?
Yes. They’re Belmont’s flagship competitive scholarships and typically replace your automatic merit package if you’re selected.
How do I apply?
No separate scholarship application—submit your admission application by November 1 (Early Action I). From there, Belmont invites top candidates into the flagship selection process and finalist interviews.
How competitive are they?
Extremely. Only a small number of students receive these full-ride-level awards each year, and selection emphasizes elite academics and leadership/service impact.
Can flagship awards stack with other scholarships?
They generally do not stack with automatic merit; the flagship award replaces it. Outside/private scholarships may still stack per Belmont’s aid policies.
⭐ 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.
🎖️ Honors College
Belmont’s Global Honors Program is designed for students who want to challenge themselves with small seminars, global experiences, and a curriculum that replaces much of the general education core. Admission is competitive, but the perks can shape your student’s entire college journey.
Strong GPA (often 3.7+), rigorous high school coursework, standout essays, and leadership or service commitments. Test scores are optional, but top candidates may also submit ACT/SAT in the upper ranges.
- Sophomore year study abroad built into the program (pay Belmont tuition while abroad)
- Small, discussion-based Honors seminars
- Close faculty mentorship and research opportunities
- Priority course registration
No Dedicated Scholarship: Belmont makes it clear that the Honors Program itself does not provide a separate scholarship. Participation does not directly lower tuition.
Access to Competitive Scholarships: Because Honors students are among Belmont’s top achievers, they are often strong candidates for flagship awards such as the Archer Presidential and William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarships.
Study Abroad Value: A signature perk is the required sophomore-year study abroad term, priced so families pay no more than a normal semester on campus. This effectively functions as a built-in scholarship covering the additional cost of an international experience.
Honors College FAQ
Is admission automatic if I’m admitted to Belmont?
No. Students must apply separately to the Global Honors Program and are selected through a competitive review.
Does joining Honors add time to my degree?
No. Honors courses replace many of Belmont’s general education requirements, so most students still graduate in four years.
When should my student apply?
Apply to Honors alongside your admission application—November 1 is the recommended priority deadline for full consideration.
Does the Honors Program come with extra scholarships?
No direct scholarship is tied to Honors, but students often win Belmont’s most competitive awards and gain a major financial benefit through the funded study abroad term.
📎 Official Links
- Belmont University Homepage
- Global Honors Program
- Student Financial Services (Scholarships & Financial Aid)
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.
✅ Last updated: September 26, 2025