Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
Belhaven University — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Jackson, Mississippi 53.3% Acceptance Rate

Belhaven University Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Jackson, Mississippi 39202 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 https://www.belhaven.edu/

Belhaven University — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

53.3%Acceptance Rate
3.5Avg GPA
1050Avg SAT
21Avg ACT
$38,359Annual Cost
$46,440Grad Salary
44.5%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
53.3%
Avg GPA
3.5
Avg SAT
1050
Avg ACT
21
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
SAT Middle 50%
1010–1080
ACT Middle 50%
18–23
Need-Based Aid
44.5% receive Pell

Belhaven University Belhaven University, founded in 1883 in Jackson, Mississippi, is a private Christian university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The university offers a comprehensive liberal arts education integrated with Christian worldview across its undergraduate and graduate programs. Belhaven's 50-acre campus blends historic buildings with modern facilities like the recently constructed STEM building and the 1,200-seat Center for the Arts. The university is particularly known for its strong arts programs, including dance, theater, and visual arts, with performances regularly staged in the 700-seat Belhaven Bowl theater. Belhaven maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship.

Belhaven stands out for its unique 'Christian Worldview Curriculum' that connects faith with academic disciplines across all majors. The university offers innovative programs like the 12-month MBA and low-residency Master of Fine Arts degrees. Belhaven's athletic teams, the Blazers, compete in NCAA Division III as part of the USA South Athletic Conference. The university has expanded with satellite campuses in several states and online programs. Belhaven's commitment to integrating faith and learning, combined with its strong arts tradition, creates a distinctive educational environment for students seeking a Christ-centered college experience.

Belhaven University Acceptance Rate

Belhaven University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Belhaven University is 53.3%. This means that 53 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
  • Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.

Selectivity at a Glance

Somewhat Selective
Belhaven University Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 53.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.05
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Belhaven University GPA Requirement

The average GPA of the admitted students at Belhaven University is 3.5. Belhaven University is highly selective.

Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.70-3.90 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.20 and 3.5, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.

Belhaven University GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Selective; solid academic performance is expected.

Recommended Strategy: Focus on a Strong 'Spike' in extracurriculars or research.

Admissions at Belhaven University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.5, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.50 – 4.00
Target/Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.30 – 3.49
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.10 – 3.29
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.09
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At Belhaven University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at Belhaven University

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Belhaven University's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

Belhaven University Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into Belhaven University Without SAT or ACT?

Belhaven University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

Belhaven University Average SAT Score: 1050

The average SAT score of the admitted students at Belhaven University is 1050 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

Belhaven University SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1050 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1050 on the SAT.

Composite
1050
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1080 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Belhaven University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 1010, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Belhaven University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for Belhaven University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math---
SAT Reading---
SAT Composite105010101080

It means that if you have scored less than 1010 then you are below most of the admitted students at Belhaven University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1080 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050

Can I get into Belhaven University with a 1100 SAT?

With a 1100 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Belhaven University are good but the admission staff at Belhaven University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

Belhaven University ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at Belhaven University is 21.

ACT Competitiveness

Belhaven University ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive

This score makes Belhaven University less competitive for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 21 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for Belhaven University
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math191621
ACT English221924
ACT Composite211823

Can I get into Belhaven University with a 23 ACT?

A 23 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Belhaven University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Belhaven University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Belhaven University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Belhaven University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 23 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 21

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Belhaven University

Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation

Belhaven University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.

Consistency over Perfection

Prove you can handle a college curriculum by maintaining a steady or upward GPA trend. One or two lower grades won't be a dealbreaker if you've improved since.

Placement Validation

Use the SAT or ACT to exempt yourself from non-credit remedial courses. A solid score here saves you time and tuition money once you enroll.

Practical Leadership

Highlight work experience, family responsibilities, or community service. These schools value 'grit' and real-world maturity.

FAFSA & Deadlines

At schools with higher acceptance rates, the 'win' is financial. Submit your FAFSA and local scholarship apps as early as possible to maximize your aid package.

Next Step: Review the specific 'Pre-Professional' tracks at Belhaven University to ensure your high school electives align with your intended major.

Belhaven University Profile

Full Name
Belhaven University
City
Jackson
State
Mississippi
ZIP Code
39202
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)

Is a Belhaven University Degree Worth It?

Getting into Belhaven University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Belhaven University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Belhaven University is $57,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.78%.

How much does a degree from Belhaven University Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at Belhaven University is $38,359. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Belhaven University is much less than this.

44.5% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 65.4 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Belhaven University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At Belhaven University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Belhaven University as your choice in the form.

How much does a Belhaven University Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $46,440. An average Belhaven University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$38,359Annual Cost
44.5%Pell Grant
65.4%Federal Loan
$46,440Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Belhaven University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Faulkner University Montgomery, AL 1016 20
University of West Alabama Livingston, AL 1015 20
Central Baptist College Conway, AR 1022 20
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton Morrilton, AR 1020 20
Williams Baptist University Walnut Ridge, AR 1018 19
Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO 1014 20
Colorado State University Pueblo Pueblo, CO 1005 22
Trinity Baptist College Jacksonville, FL 1007 20
College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, GA 1001 18
Thomas University Thomasville, GA 1037 21
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Belhaven University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL 1055 21
Marion Military Institute Marion, AL 1043 20
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR 1049 21
Arkansas Tech University Russellville, AR 1050 21
Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, AR 1050 20
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Belhaven University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, AL 1090 21
University of South Alabama Mobile, AL 1119 23
Spring Hill College Mobile, AL 1090 22
Troy University Troy, AL 1086 22
Tuskegee University Tuskegee, AL 1121 22

Degree Programs at Belhaven University

Bachelor Degree Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by Belhaven University →

Frequently Asked Questions About Belhaven University Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $46,440 annually, especially in non-technical fields.

The tuition fee at this university is moderate, around $38,359 per year. Many students seek financial aid and scholarships to manage the cost.

44.5% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.

The acceptance rate of Belhaven University is 53.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.5. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.2, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.2, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 3.1 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.5, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to Belhaven University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1050 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1010–1080.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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