Belhaven University, located in Jackson, Mississippi, is a private Christian university known for its commitment to academic excellence and the integration of faith and learning. The university emphasizes a liberal arts education, fostering critical thinking and cultural engagement. With a beautiful campus featuring state-of-the-art facilities, students have access to resources that support both academic and extracurricular pursuits. The university's motto, "To be a servant of Christ," reflects its mission to prepare students not only for professional success but also for meaningful lives of service to others.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular strengths in areas such as fine arts, business, education, and the humanities. Belhaven's dedicated faculty members are experienced professionals in their fields, providing personalized guidance to students and fostering a supportive learning environment. The university also boasts a vibrant campus culture that promotes spiritual growth, community service, and athletic involvement. With various student organizations, events, and sports teams, Belhaven University encourages students to build lasting relationships and engage actively in their college experience. The emphasis on character and faith in conjunction with education prepares graduates for significant contributions in their communities and beyond.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

The analysis of various statistical indicators for Belhaven University showcases significant trends that could impact prospective students and stakeholders. One of the most notable observations is the continuous increase in tuition costs over the years. For example, the undergraduate tuition rose from $19,970 in 2014 to $29,195 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 46.1% in just a decade. Such a steep escalation in tuition may deter some potential students, especially considering the current economic climate, where student debt levels are a growing concern.

Graduation rates also warrant attention. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students fluctuated considerably, starting at around 33.8% in 2014 and rebounding to 44.3% in 2024. This improvement may reflect the institution's enhanced support services or adjustments in academic programs aimed at fostering student success. Conversely, the 150% graduation rate saw only modest improvements overall. This inconsistency might signal ongoing challenges for students in meeting traditional graduation timelines.

Retention rates have generally remained stable, hovering between 60% and 68%. The slight increase to nearly 69% in 2024 suggests that students find enough value in their educational experiences to continue their studies, despite the rising costs. However, retention trends also indicate a potential concern; a high turnover could ultimately affect degree completion and the institution’s reputation.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio, which allows a glimpse into the educational environment, declined overall from 12:1 in 2014 to 9:1 in 2023—a positive indicator that students may benefit from increased personalized attention. Nevertheless, the ratio saw a spike again in 2024, returning to 13:1, which could raise concerns about resources becoming strained as enrollment fluctuates.

Collectively, these indicators provide a narrative of growth and challenges for Belhaven University. While rising costs and improved graduation rates may draw interest, the institution must address the implications of these metrics to ensure sustained success and attractiveness for future students.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Belhaven University 2023

The graduation data from Belhaven University reveals notable trends across various disciplines for the year 2023. A prominent observation is the focused output in the health-related fields, particularly in Registered Nursing, which boasts 29 bachelor's degree graduates. This aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals in a post-pandemic world, where nursing has become a critical area of focus.

Education programs also show significant outputs, with substantial master's degrees awarded, particularly in the generic Education and Educational Leadership categories. This reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing educational needs and enhancing leadership capabilities within the educational framework, which is crucial in today's rapidly changing academic environments.

Interestingly, disciplines like Psychology and Business Administration indicate moderate lower numbers in bachelor's degrees relative to the master's output, suggesting a potential readiness of graduates to further their education in these fields. Specifically, 15 bachelor's graduates in Psychology indicate a promising future workforce in mental health services; however, the preference for advanced degrees could signify an evolving job market that favors specialization.

Furthermore, the university's engagement with international students appears minimal across various programs, indicating potential opportunities for growth in recruiting a diverse pool of students for a richer academic experience. This trend underscores the necessity for institutions to enhance their outreach and support for international candidates, thereby fostering a more inclusive educational environment.

Overall, Belhaven University's graduation trends in 2023 not only mirror national workforce demands but also highlight areas for potential growth in diversity and educational outreach, crucial in equipping graduates for the complexities of the modern job market.

Analysis of Belhaven University's Admission Trends and Rankings

Belhaven University has experienced significant fluctuations in its admission rates and rankings over the years. The latest ranking for 2025 is 392, slightly improving from 394 in 2024, indicating a modest stabilization in its position among U.S. universities. Examining the admission rates provides insight into the university's changing applicant pool dynamics. For instance, the male admission rate was around 72.35% in 2015, which was remarkably higher compared to 45.14% in 2023, suggesting increased selectivity and possibly a shift in the institution’s strategies aimed at refining its student body quality. Similarly, the female admission rate demonstrated a pattern of variability, hovering around 41.04% in 2023, down from above 71% in previous years like 2015. Moreover, the incoming enrollment has seen a gradual decline, with the most recent figures showing only 262 students admitted in 2023 compared to a peak of 689 in 2010. The number of denies peaked in 2016, highlighting a competitive environment that may have discouraged potential applicants. Additionally, the number of deferred admissions indicates a strategy where the university may be seeking to secure a committed student base, as seen with the steady figures across recent years for denied and deferred applicants. Overall, Belhaven University is navigating a challenging landscape, balancing its admission dynamics while striving to enhance its academic reputation. As it continues to adapt, the trend toward increased selectivity may position it favorably against peers in the upcoming years, despite the challenges reflected in its fluctuating ranking.

Analysis of Belhaven University's Admission Data Trends

The admission data for Belhaven University over the years reveals significant trends that merit attention. The number of students submitting standardized test scores such as the SAT and ACT has fluctuated considerably. For instance, there was a noticeable peak in the number of SAT scores submitted in 2009, with around 33% of admitted students providing their scores. However, from 2012 onwards, this percentage has consistently declined, dropping to just 6% in 2022 and 2023. This reduction could indicate a growing trend of optional test scores for college admissions, which many institutions have recently adopted.

Examining the score range, the scores for the SAT reading and math components have shown variability. In the earlier years, high-performing candidates demonstrated impressive ranges between the 25th and 75th percentiles, with scores regularly exceeding 600. Yet, more recent years show a decline, with the 25th percentile scores hovering around the 450 mark, signaling potential shifts in the applicant pool or preparation practices.

Moreover, the ACT scores present a similar narrative. The comprehensive ACT scores have remained relatively stable; nonetheless, the percentage of students submitting these scores has also decreased—from high participation rates earlier in the 2010s down to less than 10% in recent years. This pattern may indicate a shift in student preferences, as many opt for test-optional colleges or choose to focus on holistic parts of their applications.

In summary, Belhaven University's admission data highlights shifting dynamics in standardized testing participation and performance. These trends reflect broader changes in the college admissions landscape, where test-optional policies become increasingly prevalent, prompting universities to seek more holistic evaluation methods in their admissions processes.

Overview of Student Demographics at Belhaven University for 2024

The student demographics at Belhaven University for the year 2024 reveal a diverse and notable composition among the various categories of students. A total of 243 freshmen were welcomed, with a gender distribution leaning slightly towards female students at 52.3%, suggesting a growing female representation in the undergraduate new student body. Continuing students, numbering 908, exhibited an even greater female dominance with 65.3% female enrollment, indicating a robust retention of women in the undergraduate program.

Transfer students, totaling 219, also reflected a higher percentage of women at 66.2%. This trend is consistent across the graduate level, where the enrollment of 2,164 students showed a 65.9% female ratio. The trend of higher female enrollment in higher education is an ongoing phenomenon observed nationally, as women continue to surpass men in college completion rates and overall enrollment.

The representation of different ethnic groups has also been documented, particularly among the freshmen class, where 96 white students accounted for 39.5% of the total, alongside contributions from students of various ethnicities. With a growing focus on diversity and inclusion in educational institutions, Belhaven University's demographic breakdown reflects similar trends seen across universities in the country, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive environments for a wide array of backgrounds.

Overall, this data paints a picture of an institution actively fostering diversity, especially with female students leading the numbers, while also facing the challenge of improving retention and support systems for all groups represented within its student body.

Analysis of Age Composition at Belhaven University in 2024

The demographic data for Belhaven University in 2024 reveals intriguing insights about the age distribution of its students. A significant proportion of the student body is composed of traditional-aged students, particularly those between 18-24 years old. This age cohort accounts for a majority of the undergraduate population, with 31.2% of undergraduates aged 18-19 and 29.1% aged 20-21. The emphasis on these age groups aligns with trends observed in many universities, where young adults transition from high school to higher education.

As we analyze the graduate student composition, there is a notable increase in students aged 25-29, making up 55.0% of the graduate male population and 79.8% of the graduate female population. This trend may indicate a growing number of individuals returning to education later in life, possibly due to career changes or professional development, reflecting broader societal shifts towards lifelong learning.

The university also shows a healthy gender balance among students aged 22-24, as the total number of female students surpasses that of male students in this category. However, in older age categories, especially from 30-49 years, females notably outnumber males, highlighting women's increasing presence and achievement in higher education.

Moreover, the presence of students over 50 years old, although small, underscores the diversity in academic pursuits, as these students may seek new knowledge or career advancement at an advanced stage in life. As educational institutions continue to adapt to demographic changes, Belhaven University reflects the evolving dynamics of student age and gender, positioning itself as an inclusive environment for learners of all ages.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Belhaven University

The data on international student enrollment at Belhaven University reflects significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in undergraduate and graduate populations. From 2005 to 2010, the percentage of international undergraduates remained quite low, peaking in 2015 at approximately 3.31%. This growth hints at an increasing interest from international students in the university, potentially attributed to the global reach of higher education and enhanced recruitment strategies.

However, the years following 2015 exhibit a decline in the percentage of international undergraduates, despite a notable increase in total undergraduate enrollment around that time. The numbers indicate challenges the institution likely faced in maintaining the appeal for international students amidst global uncertainties and competition from other universities.

On the graduate side, there has been a more pronounced increase in both total enrollment and the proportion of international students, particularly in 2024, where the percentage reached an impressive 10.81%. This suggests that Belhaven University may be recognized more for its graduate programs among international candidates, possibly driven by changes in academic offerings or support systems for these students.

In a broader context, this trend reflects a complex interplay of factors including immigration policies, global events, and shifting perceptions of U.S. higher education. Institutions like Belhaven must remain adaptive and responsive to these changing dynamics to attract a diverse student body essential for fostering a global educational environment.

Here is a brief introduction to some prominent universities near Belhaven University:

1. Vanderbilt University - Ranked 18th in the 2025 US News rankings, Vanderbilt is a prestigious private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Known for its strong academic programs and commitment to research, Vanderbilt offers a vibrant campus life with a diverse community of students.

2. Tulane University - With a ranking of 63, Tulane University in Louisiana is recognized for its rigorous academic standards and strong emphasis on community service. It provides a rich educational experience in a vibrant city known for its culture and history.

3. University of Mississippi - Also known as Ole Miss, this university is ranked 171st and offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Ole Miss is notable for its strong Southern heritage and active campus life.

4. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College - Ranked 179th, this university in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a leading research institution known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and the arts.

5. Mississippi State University - Positioned 214th in the rankings, Mississippi State offers a comprehensive range of degree programs and is recognized for its agricultural and engineering disciplines.

These universities represent a mix of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, each contributing unique academic opportunities in the region surrounding Belhaven University.

Crime Trends at Belhaven University

The crime data from Belhaven University over the years reflects a significant decline in reported offenses, particularly in recent years. In 2013, the average crime rate stood at approximately 3.68 incidents per 1,000 students, which indicates a higher level of concern for safety. However, this rate has dramatically decreased, reaching 0.00 in 2022, which is a remarkable achievement for the institution.

One notable observation is the sharp drop in arrests related to firearms and substance abuse. For instance, there was a reduction in arrests for drug-related offenses from 1.24 arrests per 1,000 students in 2014 to 0.20 in 2021. This trend may imply the effectiveness of awareness programs and campus safety initiatives aimed at reducing drug and alcohol abuse, which are critical issues in many college environments.

It is essential to bear in mind that while the data appears encouraging, there were fluctuations, such as an uptick in reported crimes in 2023, which indicated a resurgence of issues that had previously seemed to stabilize. Academic institutions, like Belhaven, must continue to focus on the welfare of their students, which includes understanding and addressing the root causes of these behaviors.

The improved safety statistics can also significantly influence prospective students' choices, as lower crime rates often correlate with higher enrollment. The university is creating an environment that will not only enhance the educational experience but also foster personal safety and well-being.

For more information on calculating crime rates, visit: Crime Rate Calculation.