Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Jackson, Mississippi
53.3% Acceptance Rate
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 moderately selective. 53.3% of applicants are admitted, with room for a well-rounded, if imperfect, transcript.
What Belhaven University Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
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
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Belhaven University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Belhaven University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Belhaven University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (February 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Belhaven University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Belhaven University is 3.5. That makes admissions here highly selective. Most admitted students carry mostly A's with the occasional B.
Between 3.20 and 3.5? A strong standardized test score is worth prioritizing.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.70–3.90.Belhaven University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Selective, with solid academic performance as the expectation.
Recommended Strategy: A clear, defined strength in one activity or research area matters more than breadth.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
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
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Founded 1883; located in Jackson, MS; SACSCOC-accredited for bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.
- One of only 39 U.S. colleges nationally accredited in all four major arts (Dance, Music, Theatre, Visual Art); one of two Christian universities recognized by the White House STEM Initiative.
- Dual admission track: test-optional with 2.75+ GPA, or 20 ACT with 2.0+ GPA minimum.
- Acceptance rate roughly 53%; rolling admissions; over 80 areas of study across on-campus and online formats.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Belhaven University
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Belhaven University's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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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
Scores aren't just a formality at Belhaven University. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Belhaven University Without SAT or ACT?
Belhaven University considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Belhaven University Average SAT Score: 1050
Admitted students at Belhaven University average a 1050 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1050 — Accessible
A 1050 average means even a modest SAT score can strengthen your application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1080 SAT or 23 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Belhaven University allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1010? A retake is worth it at Belhaven University. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | - | - | - |
| SAT Reading | - | - | - |
| SAT Composite | 1050 | 1010 | 1080 |
A score under 1010 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1080+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Belhaven University with a 1100 SAT?
At 1100, your SAT is squarely in Belhaven University's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Belhaven University ACT Requirements
Belhaven University's admitted students average an ACT of 21.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 21 — Less Competitive
An average of 21 leaves room above it for a competitive application.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 19 | 16 | 21 |
| ACT English | 22 | 19 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 21 | 18 | 23 |
Can I get into Belhaven University with a 23 ACT?
At 23, you're in the top quarter of Belhaven University's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Belhaven University weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Belhaven University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Belhaven University takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Know your two paths to admission: test-optional with a 2.75 GPA, or a 20 ACT plus 2.0 GPA
Belhaven offers a specific dual-track entry: apply test-optional if your GPA is 2.75+, or submit a 20 ACT with at least a 2.0 GPA. If you fall short of either threshold, additional information is required, so ask your admissions counselor directly which track fits your profile before submitting.
Highlight arts involvement explicitly if you have any - Belhaven's arts accreditation is a rare, real differentiator
Belhaven is one of only 39 colleges nationally accredited in all four major arts disciplines (Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Art), an unusual across-the-board credential for a school this size. If you have any arts background, name this specific accreditation in your application materials as a reason for choosing Belhaven, since it signals you've done real research beyond "small Christian school" branding.
Engage directly with the required Christian worldview curriculum in your application
Every Belhaven program, including STEM (one of only two Christian universities recognized by the White House STEM Initiative), integrates a Christian worldview into coursework, and seniors take a required "Kingdom Life" capstone connecting faith to career. Address this integration authentically in your essay rather than treating it as background context, since it's structurally embedded in every major, not just religion programs.
Ask about the required freshman success course and mandatory chapel series
All Belhaven freshmen take a course introducing college life and study skills, and a required chapel series featuring Christian speakers is a standing campus commitment, not an occasional event. If communal religious practice as a graduation-adjacent requirement matters to your decision, confirm current chapel attendance policies directly with admissions.
Expert Insight:
Applicants sometimes submit a generic "well-rounded Christian college" application without engaging Belhaven's specific, rare distinction of arts accreditation across all four major arts disciplines, or its dual-track admission thresholds. Missing the GPA/ACT threshold nuance can lead to an avoidable additional-information request that delays a decision.
Belhaven University Profile
Full Name
Belhaven University
City
Jackson
State
Mississippi
ZIP Code
39202
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
Is a Belhaven University Degree Worth It?
Whether Belhaven University is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $57,700, and graduates see a 3.78% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Belhaven University Cost?
Listed tuition runs $38,359/year at Belhaven University. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Belhaven University, 44.5% receive a Pell Grant and 65.4% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Belhaven University on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Belhaven University Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Belhaven University graduates report a median income of $46,440, about 14% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 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.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Belhaven University Admissions
Belhaven University graduates earn a lower median salary of $46,440/year, especially outside technical fields.
Tuition at Belhaven University is moderate, around $38,359/year; many students supplement with aid.
44.5% of Belhaven University students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income, and filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
Belhaven University's acceptance rate is 53.3%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Belhaven University students is 3.5, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.2 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Belhaven University. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.1 or below makes admission tougher at Belhaven University, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Belhaven University weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1050, and within the 1010–1080 range, keeps you competitive.
Belhaven University follows Rolling Admissions. Applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before February 1, 2026. That's Belhaven University's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.
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