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Belmont University

Nashville, TN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

"Purpose Character Wisdom"

1890
Founded
Private university
Type
7,306
Total Students
7,384
Undergrad
1,526
Graduate
$357M
Endowment
(2022)
$41K
Tuition (In-State)
$41K
Tuition (Out-State)
$32K
Avg Net Price
96%
Acceptance Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification
President: L. Gregory Jones

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Belmont University

Nashville's Christ-centered university empowering students for purpose, character, and wisdom.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University is a dynamic private Christian institution dedicated to fostering purpose, character, and wisdom in its students. With a diverse community of nearly 9,000 students representing every state and over 30 countries, Belmont provides a "Christ-centered, student-focused community" that balances academic rigor with real-world experience, all within the creative energy of Music City. It's a place where students are encouraged to grow holistically, connecting faith with learning and leadership.

Belmont's rich history dates back to 1890, when it was founded as Belmont Women's College by pioneering educators Ida Hood and Susan Heron. Evolving from Ward–Belmont College to Belmont College, it achieved university status in 1991. The campus itself is steeped in history, featuring the elegant Belmont Mansion and the site where Nashville's very first radio station, WDAA, broadcasted music in 1922. This deep heritage of innovation and community engagement continues to shape the university's forward-looking approach.

Academically, Belmont shines across a wide array of disciplines, particularly in areas reflecting Nashville's cultural pulse. The Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business is renowned, while its O'More College of Architecture, Art & Design and the newly merged Watkins College of Art, Design & Film underscore a strong commitment to creative arts. Students can pursue excellence in fields ranging from nursing and pharmacy to law, education, and liberal arts, supported by dedicated faculty and a commitment to student success. The university continuously adapts, as seen in its expansion with the Thomas F. Frist Jr., College of Medicine.

Beyond academics, Belmont cultivates an inclusive and engaging student experience. The university has demonstrated a progressive commitment to its "student-focused" mission, notably adding sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policies and officially recognizing LGBTQ+ student organizations. This evolving dedication ensures a welcoming environment where all students can thrive, find their voice, and contribute to a vibrant campus life that prepares them for meaningful careers and lives of service.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1890 as Belmont Women's College, evolving into a comprehensive university.
  • A private Christian university located in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.
  • Serves nearly 9,000 students from every U.S. state and over 30 countries.
  • Motto: "Purpose Character Wisdom" guiding its Christ-centered, student-focused mission.
  • Site of Nashville's first radio station, WDAA, which began broadcasting in 1922.
  • Boasts a $0.4 billion endowment, supporting its extensive academic programs and student resources.
  • Recognized with the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation for promoting mutual understanding between Japan and the US.

Timeline

1890
Founded as Belmont Women's College by Ida Hood and Susan Heron.
1913
Merged with Ward Seminary, becoming Ward–Belmont College.
1922
Nashville's first radio station, WDAA, broadcast music from Belmont.
1951
Incorporated as Belmont College.
1991
Achieved university status, becoming Belmont University.
2007
Cut official ties with the Tennessee Baptist Convention.
2011
Added sexual orientation to non-discrimination policies and officially recognized a gay student organization.
2018
Took ownership of the O'More College of Design.
2019
College of Visual and Performing Arts separated into two distinct colleges.
2021
Merged with Watkins College of Art, Design & Film.
🏛️
136 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

13 notable schools within Belmont University

📚

College of Education

Offers programs focused on teacher preparation and educational leadership.

⚖️

College of Law

Provides comprehensive legal education.

🎭

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Encompasses a wide range of humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies.

🔬

College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Focuses on pharmaceutical and various health science disciplines.

🔬

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Offers programs in natural sciences, computational sciences, and mathematics.

🎭

College of Music & Performing Arts

Includes all music, theatre, and dance programs.

💉

Gordon E. Inman College of Nursing

Provides comprehensive nursing education.

📚

Interdisciplinary Studies & Global Education

Dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary learning and global awareness.

💼

Jack C. Massey College of Business

Offers undergraduate and graduate business programs.

💼

Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business (CEMB)

A leading college for entertainment, music business, and audio engineering studies.

🎨

O'More College of Architecture & Design

Houses architecture, art, fashion, interior design, and design communications programs.

🏥

Thomas F. Frist Jr., College of Medicine

A newly established college for medical education.

🏫

Watkins College of Art

Offers programs in visual arts, design, and film.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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