Belhaven University
Belhaven University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Belhaven University at a Glance
Belhaven University is a private evangelical Christian university in Jackson, Mississippi, United States. Founded in 1883, the university offers traditional majors, programs of general studies, and pre-professional programs in Christian ministry, medicine, dentistry, law, and nursing.
1883
143 years old
3,600
42 acres
Identity
Is Belhaven University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Belhaven University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,440 — 14% below average — while paying $15,676/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 50% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $26,333 representing 57% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Belhaven University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Belhaven University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #12 of 54 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Mount St. Joseph University | 43 | $16,530 | $51,509 |
| #4 | Alma College | 42 | $20,694 | $54,742 |
| #5 | Spring Arbor University | 41 | $19,353 | $51,732 |
| #6 | Ohio Wesleyan University | 40 | $20,897 | $55,624 |
| #12 | Belhaven University | 37 | $15,676 | $46,440 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Belhaven University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Belhaven University
The highest-earning program at Belhaven University is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $43,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $21,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from Belhaven University earns $43,300, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $21,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $31,333 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $15,676/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $43,300 | $43,300 | $31,333 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $36,600 | $36,600 | $30,371 |
| Social Sciences, General | $28,200 | $28,200 | $37,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $21,700 | $21,700 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MS
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Jackson, MS
- Student Body
- 1,471 students
- Admission Rate
- 50%
- Graduation Rate
- 50%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $15,676
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,440
- Median Student Debt
- $26,333