Unlocking Opportunities: A Guide to Belmont University Merit Scholarships

Belmont University is committed to making education accessible and rewarding, offering a variety of financial aid options, including merit-based scholarships. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and individual achievements, helping students finance their education. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Belmont's merit scholarship requirements, application processes, and other financial aid opportunities.

Understanding Belmont's Financial Aid Philosophy

Belmont University believes that investing in education is a valuable endeavor. To support students, the university offers comprehensive aid packages that combine need-based and merit-based financial assistance. The primary responsibility for covering educational expenses rests with the student and their family, and financial aid bridges the gap between the expected family contribution and the cost of education.

Merit-Based Aid at Belmont: Recognizing Excellence

Upon admission to Belmont, students are automatically considered for all sources of merit aid. These scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and individual achievement. The application for admission to the university also serves as the application for merit scholarships.

General Freshman Academic Merit Scholarships

General Freshman Academic Merit Scholarships range from $3,000 to $22,000 annually. Admitted freshmen with academic credentials that meet or exceed the University’s first-year student class profile are considered competitive candidates for these awards.

General Academic Merit Scholarship for Transfer Applicants

The General Academic Merit Scholarship for transfer applicants ranges between $2,500 - $10,000 and is awarded annually throughout the admissions cycle, from September through August. The application for admission to Belmont also serves as the application for this scholarship.

Presidential Scholarships

The Presidential Scholarship is Belmont's most competitive scholarship, awarded to approximately five incoming freshmen. This scholarship provides full tuition, room, board, books, and fees for four academic years of continuous study. Selection criteria include academic and leadership accomplishments. Demonstrated financial need may also be considered. Candidates for the Presidential Scholarship will have a minimum composite score of 30 on the ACT or 1390 on the SAT.

Named and Departmental Scholarships

December 1 is the application deadline for consideration for Belmont’s most competitive named and departmental scholarships. Notification of named and departmental scholarships will be sent in mid-February.

Belmont University offers a plethora of endowed scholarships, each with its own unique criteria and purpose. These scholarships are a testament to the generosity of alumni, donors, and organizations committed to supporting Belmont students. Here's a glimpse into some of these endowed scholarships, showcasing the diverse opportunities available:

Mildred and Roy Acuff Endowed Scholarship: Supports students pursuing studies in fields related to the Acuff's legacy, potentially music or performance arts.
Claude W and Nora M Allen Endowed Scholarship: A general scholarship supporting students across various disciplines.
Alumni Association Scholarship: Fosters a sense of community by supporting students who are children or grandchildren of Belmont alumni.
Glen Anderson Endowed Scholarship: Supports students with an interest or major in a specific field, potentially business or economics.
Bill Bandy Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Randall Baskin Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Lucy Beasley Memorial Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Belmont Auxiliary Endowed Scholarship: Supports students involved in volunteer or service activities.
Bluegrass Baptist Endowed Scholarship: For students affiliated with Bluegrass Baptist Church or pursuing religious studies.
Dr. and Mrs. W.A. Boston Memorial Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Catherine Boyd Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Brentwood Baptist Church Endowed Scholarship: Supports students connected to Brentwood Baptist Church.
Betty Skelton Brewer Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Brook Hollow Mulloy Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Helen and Bob Capra Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Joey Cigainero Artist Foundation Endowed Scholarship: Specifically for students pursuing visual arts.
Glynn and Evelyn Clark/Immanuel Baptist Endowed Scholarship: Supports students connected to Immanuel Baptist Church.
Lois H. Cobb Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Michael Ray Danner Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Joe C. Davis Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Kenneth Dean Family Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Dodd Memorial Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Daisy and H.S. Durham Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Janet Lynne Elder Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Ezell Family Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Dr. and Mrs. John D. Freeman Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Friends of the School of Music Endowed Scholarship: Supports students pursuing music studies.
Friendship Class/Immanuel Baptist Endowed Scholarship: Supports students connected to Immanuel Baptist Church.
Diana R. Gabhart Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Helen Gabhart Missions Endowed Scholarship: For students involved in mission work or planning a career in missions.
Don Gant Music Business Endowed Scholarship: Specifically for students in the music business program.
Kathy Elmer Ganus Music Endowed Scholarship: Supports students pursuing music studies.
Lois and Claude Garrison Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Glover Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Sara Grigsby Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Walter and Louise Hale Endowed Scholarship Award: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
John W. and Frances L. Harton Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Joe and Virginia Keeter Haynes Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Chip Hellman Annual Scholarship: An annual scholarship supporting students generally or in a specific field.
Reba Lee Yeatman Howard Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Bernice Johnson Nursing Endowed Scholarship: Supports students pursuing a degree in nursing.
Ruby Johnson Memorial Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Judson Baptist Church Endowed Scholarship: Supports students connected to Judson Baptist Church.
Bill Justis Music Endowed Scholarship: Specifically for music students.
Robert Keyt Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Kenneth Landers, Sr. Memorial Music Scholarship: Supports students pursuing music studies, honoring Kenneth Landers, Sr.
Kenneth Landers, Sr. Memorial Music Business Scholarship: Supports students in the music business program, honoring Kenneth Landers, Sr.
Frank and Margaret Leu Visual Arts Endowed Scholarship: Supports students pursuing visual arts.
George and Lera Logan Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Mabel Clara Looper Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Rachel Barnett Low Memorial Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Wallace Edwards Lunn, Sr. Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Maddux Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Albert and Ethel Maloney Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Lowell and Faye Mason Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Jack C. Massey MBA/Nelson Publishing Endowed Scholarship: Supports MBA students, potentially with an interest in publishing.
Glen and Stella Morford Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Will D. Pafford Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Carolyn Patton Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Londin/Peterzell Music Business Scholarship: Specifically for students in the music business program.
Archer Presidential Scholarship: A prestigious scholarship awarded to top students.
Jane Howell Ralls Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Rasmussen Studies Abroad Scholarship: Helps students finance study abroad experiences.
Ben Rechter Minority Endowed Scholarship: Supports minority students.
Marilyn Redding Memorial Missions Endowed Scholarship: For students involved in or planning to be involved in mission work.
Nary E. Ridley Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Nita and George C. Roughgarden Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Sanders-Mizoah Belmont Heights Endowed Scholarship: Supports students from the Belmont Heights neighborhood.
J. Randolph and Betty G. Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund for the Arts: Supports students pursuing studies in the arts.
Pat R. and Clarence L. Steinhouse Nursing Endowed Scholarship: Supports students pursuing a degree in nursing.
Tennessee College for Women Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Willie Maude Thomerson Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Turner Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Turnley Music Business Endowed Scholarship: Specifically for students in the music business program.
Tusculum Hills Baptist Church Endowed Scholarship: Supports students connected to Tusculum Hills Baptist Church.
Volunteer Capital Massey Memorial MBA Endowed Scholarship: Supports MBA students.
Joyce Walker Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Elizabeth Wall Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Albert and Lucille Wardin Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Waugh Self-Help Scholarship: Supports students who demonstrate a strong work ethic and determination to finance their education.
Clara Harper Whitelaw Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Johnnie Wiley Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Jack Williams Scholarship Fund for Working Students: Supports students who work to contribute to their education expenses.
William G. Wilson Endowed Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.
Naomi H. Scholarship: A scholarship that supports students based on specific criteria defined by the donor.

Additional Merit-Based Scholarships

William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship Program: One scholarship covering full tuition, room, board, books, and fees for a student from a diverse background with outstanding academic and leadership records.
Ingram Diversity Leadership Scholarships: Four full-tuition scholarships for students with diverse backgrounds from the Nashville area with outstanding academic and leadership records.
Thomas J. Madden Ministerial Scholarship: One full-tuition scholarship for a Christian freshman male majoring in religion and who plans to enter full time ministry.
Faculty Scholarships: Approximately 150 Faculty Scholarship offers of $15,000 annually to the top incoming freshmen who qualified for initial Presidential Scholarship consideration.
Servant Leader Scholarship: One full-tuition scholarship for a Christian freshman female who majors in religion and who plan to enter a church-related career.
Turner Scholarship: $7,500 awards for students from rural high schools with outstanding academic records and demonstrated need.
Glover Accounting Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship for students majoring in accounting who meet academic scholarship criteria.
Glover Business Scholarship: Merit-based scholarship for students majoring in business who meet academic scholarship criteria.
Leadership Scholarships: Approximately 50 Leadership Scholarship offers of $3,000 annually to incoming freshman who demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities through the resume of activities.
Rose Park Scholarships: Half and full tuition scholarships for deserving incoming freshman with demonstrated need who live in proximity to ES Rose Park.
Community Scholarships: Half tuition scholarships awarded every other year for deserving incoming freshman with demonstrated need and above average academic credentials who live in proximity to the Belmont University campus.
National Merit Finalists: Students named as a National Merit Finalist receive a merit award from Belmont of $24,000/year. Those Finalists subsequently designated as a National Merit Scholar receive an additional National Merit Scholarship of $1,000/year.
Global Honors Scholarship: Students admitted to the Global Honors program are eligible to receive the Global Honors Scholarship. This $2,000 award is granted annually beginning the first year and is renewable sophomore, junior, and senior years, provided the student remains in good academic standing in the Global Honors program.
Songwriting Endowed Scholarships: One merit-based scholarship for a first-year student in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business majoring in Songwriting and meeting the general academic merit scholarship criteria. Applicants must submit their Songwriting portfolio by the November 1 deadline to be considered.
Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Scholarship: Available to Phi Theta Kappa members who hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. This scholarship is $2,500 and is awarded annually throughout the admissions cycle, from September through August.

Performance-Based Aid: Recognizing Talent

Athletic scholarships: Performance-based scholarships based upon athletic ability and level of need of position.

Need-Based Aid: Supporting Students with Financial Need

In addition to merit-based scholarships, Belmont University offers need-based aid to students who demonstrate financial need. To be considered for need-based aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Grants

Belmont Grant-in-Aid: Grant funds are awarded based on demonstrated need indicated on the FAFSA. Belmont Grant-in-Aid funds are determined by the Student Aid Index (SAI) and are not guaranteed every year.
Federal Pell Grant: A Federal Pell grant is an undergraduate federal grant. The Department of Education determines eligibility.

Institutional Grants

Multi-Student Discount: The multi-student discount assists families with two or more students enrolled at Belmont University. The multi-student discount allows for families to receive a 25% tuition reduction for the second undergraduate of two students attending, or for the second undergraduate student plus any additional undergraduate students attending the University at the same time. This discount is not available in the summer.
Church-Related Vocational Grant: Students who plan to pursue a career in a church-related vocation and/or are currently active in related activities are eligible for $500 per semester.

Governmental Grants

Federal PELL Grants: A direct grant from the Federal Government based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG): A federal grant administered by Belmont University and based on financial need and availability of funds.
Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA): A direct grant from the State of Tennessee, for undergraduate Tennessee residents. All awards are based on financial need and availability of funds.
Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship (HOPE): Awarded to entering freshmen and returning students who are Tennessee residents and meet eligibility requirements as specified by the Tennessee state legislature.

Employment Programs

Federal Work-Study Program (FWS): A federal program administered by Belmont whereby students may work up to 20 hours per week. The number of hours per week is based on financial need and monies available.

Loans

Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS): Credit-based loans for the parents of dependent students. Parents may apply for these loans and, if approved, may use the funds to help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance.
Federal Perkins Loan Fund: A federal loan program administered by Belmont University whereby needy students may borrow long-term, low-interest (5%) loans.
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan: For undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by federal regulations.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: Not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

To be considered for financial aid, applicants should:

Complete application procedures by December 1.
Apply and be accepted for admission to Belmont University.
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and request that Belmont University receive a copy of the analysis.

Maintaining Eligibility for Financial Aid

Renewal of aid is not automatic. Students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress and need throughout their undergraduate years. Awards are based on full-time enrollment. In order to meet the “full-time” standard, a student must register for at least 12 hours per semester as an undergraduate student, and at least 6 hours per semester as a graduate student.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

In order to receive federal financial aid, students must be making satisfactory academic progress. These standards apply for periods of enrollment beginning on or after August 1, 1998. Eligibility for federal programs will be evaluated as part of the initial application process and again at the end of the spring semester of each academic year.

Undergraduate Students

Qualitative: Students must be accepted for admission and be eligible to enroll for classes. Students must also achieve and maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average on all course work attempted including accepted transfer coursework.
Quantitative: Students must average passing 66.67% of all hours attempted.

Graduate Students

Qualitative: Students must be accepted for admission and be eligible to enroll for classes. In addition, students must achieve and maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average on all course work including accepted transfer course work.
Quantitative: Students must average passing 66.67% of all hours attempted.

Pharmacy Students

Qualitative: Students must be accepted for admission and be eligible to enroll for classes. Students must also achieve and maintain a cumulative 2.3 grade point average on all course work attempted including accepted transfer course work.
Quantitative: Students must average passing 66.67% of all hours attempted.

Law Students

Qualitative: Students must be accepted for admission and be eligible to enroll for classes. Students must also achieve and maintain a cumulative 2.5 grade point average on all coursework attempted including accepted transfer coursework.
Quantitative: Students must average passing 66.67% of all hours attempted.

Appeals

Students failing to meet these standards for satisfactory academic progress may appeal for reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility based on unique circumstances. An allowable basis for an appeal includes personal illness or injury, personal crisis, illness or death of a family member, or a change of major.

Additional Financial Aid Resources

Outside Scholarships: Students may receive scholarships from national organizations as well as community-based organizations in their home area. These groups may include labor unions, professional associations, churches, local businesses, high school scholastic clubs and various civic organizations such as Elks, Lions Club, Rotary and YMCA, to name a few.
Tuition Assistance from Employers: Many students receive tuition assistance from their caregivers’ or their own employers.
School Guidance Counselors: School guidance counselors are a good resource for locating scholarship opportunities in your community.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Belmont University offers flexible application options: Early Action I, Early Action II, and Regular Decision. Early Action is non-binding, allowing students to apply to other schools while still qualifying for scholarships and financial aid.

To apply, students must complete the Degree Seeking Application, submit the non-refundable application fee, and request that official transcripts be sent from their high school. Belmont University is test optional.

Read also: Explore Belmont University Jobs

Holistic Review Process

Belmont University considers Demonstrated Interest as part of our holistic review process. We encourage you to visit our campus, connect with your admissions counselor when they are in your area, or attend a virtual event.

An applicant is considered on the total picture the student’s credentials present. High school students will be considered competitive for admission if they present a rigorous course of college preparatory academic studies. Students should have an above average core cumulative grade-point average and rank in the top half of their graduating classes. A strong correlation between high school grades and test scores (if submitted) is expected.

Additional Requirements for Specific Programs

Applicants to the School of Music, Department of Theatre & Dance, select Watkins College of Art programs, and the Songwriting major have additional application steps, including auditions and portfolio submissions. The Watkins College of Art requires all students applying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree to submit a portfolio as a part of the admissions process.

International Students

Non US Citizen applicants are required to submit Proof of English Proficiency in addition to the items listed above before an admissions decision can be made. A formal credential evaluation of your high school transcript is required for any student who has completed their education outside of the United States.

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