Belhaven University Online Review: Christian Liberal Arts and Arts Programs

Among approximately 4,000 four-year U.S. universities, only 36 hold national institutional accreditation in all four major arts disciplines: music, theater, visual art, and dance. Belhaven University is one of them. The Presbyterian-affiliated private university in Jackson, Mississippi also holds the distinction of being one of only two Christian colleges recognized by the White House STEM Initiative, has been continuously operating since 1883 (originally as a women’s college named for the estate it occupied), and has been delivering online programs since 2005-2006. Total enrollment is approximately 3,616 students, with 2,121 enrolled exclusively online and 1,050 students completing distance learning degrees in the most recent year reported.

This review examines Belhaven University Online specifically: the accreditation picture (SACSCOC institutional plus an unusually broad set of arts and professional programmatic accreditations), the online program inventory, what it costs (notably more affordable than several other Christian university online options), who Belhaven serves well, and how Belhaven compares to other faith-affiliated and secular online universities for prospective students considering enrollment. The review is structured for working professionals and adult learners evaluating online options, not for traditional-age applicants considering Belhaven’s residential campus experience. For the broader framework on planning an online degree as a working adult, see: The Complete Guide to Earning an Accredited Online Degree as an Adult Learner.

Institutional context

Belhaven University was founded in 1883 in Jackson, Mississippi by Dr. Lewis Fitzhugh and later donated to the Presbyterian Church. The institution operated for most of its history as a women’s college (under the names Belhaven College for Young Women, Belhaven Collegiate and Industrial Institute, and Belhaven College) before becoming coeducational and being renamed Belhaven University in 2010. The university is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. The 142-year institutional history is among the longer continuous operations of a Christian liberal arts institution in the southern United States.

Belhaven’s main residential campus is located in the historic Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson, Mississippi, a notable residential setting in the heart of the capital city. The campus sits just blocks from Jackson’s Fondren Arts District, where students access local restaurants, shops, coffeehouses, galleries, and arts venues that connect directly to Belhaven’s arts-strong institutional identity. Additional teaching locations include Jackson evening programs and a DeSoto campus, with substantial online operations serving students nationally. Total enrollment is approximately 3,616 to 4,400 students across all delivery modes (residential, online, and adult/evening programs), with a 12:1 to 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The institution is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a Master’s College and University, reflecting a primarily teaching-focused institutional mission with selective graduate programs.

Notable Belhaven alumni include Angie Thomas, the best-selling young adult novelist author of The Hate U Give (which became a major film), who has spoken about how Belhaven helped her recognize that a writer from Mississippi could produce nationally impactful work. Pastry chef Jamie Salinas built his career starting at age 14, became a Food Network Halloween Baking Championship runner-up, and opened JUST VANILLA bakery in the Fondren District. Christina, founder and president of End it For Good and author of Curious (named one of Christianity Today’s Best Books of 2024), and Edinburgh-based fashion photographer Laura, with multidisciplinary editorial and commercial expertise, represent the breadth of alumni outcomes across creative industries. The alumni profile reflects Belhaven’s positioning as a Christian liberal arts university with particular strength in arts and creative fields.

The Presbyterian denominational affiliation is structurally distinctive among Christian universities prominent in online education. Where Liberty University is broadly Evangelical (Southern Baptist-adjacent), Lipscomb and Harding are affiliated with the Churches of Christ (Restoration Movement tradition), and Regent is broadly Charismatic-Pentecostal, Belhaven operates within the Reformed theological tradition associated with the PCA. Prospective students for whom denominational alignment matters should evaluate whether the Reformed/Presbyterian institutional identity fits their preferences; the identity is part of the academic culture rather than a peripheral feature.

Is Belhaven University accredited?

Yes. Belhaven University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), one of the seven U.S. Department of Education-recognized regional accrediting bodies. SACSCOC oversees institutions across 11 southern states and accredits universities including Vanderbilt University, Duke University, the University of Florida, Lipscomb University, and most other major southern universities. Belhaven’s SACSCOC accreditation supports federal financial aid eligibility, credit transferability, and credential recognition across employers and graduate schools.

Programmatic accreditations

Belhaven holds an unusually broad set of programmatic accreditations relative to its institutional size. The combination distinguishes Belhaven from many other Christian universities and merits specific attention.

Arts accreditations are Belhaven’s most distinctive feature. The university holds National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation, National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) accreditation, and National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) accreditation, plus accredited music programs. Holding all four arts accreditations simultaneously places Belhaven among only 36 universities nationally with this credential combination. The arts accreditations primarily affect on-campus residential programs rather than online programs, but they reflect institutional investment in arts education that few peer Christian universities match.

Professional programmatic accreditations include Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) including the online RN-to-BSN program, Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation for the social work program, and Mississippi Department of Education plus Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) approval for teacher education programs. The School of Nursing’s BSN is also approved by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

Belhaven’s business school holds programmatic accreditation from the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) rather than AACSB International or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The three business accreditations operate with different evaluative philosophies and selectivity profiles. AACSB is the most selective and is held by approximately 6 percent of business schools globally. ACBSP focuses on teaching excellence using Baldrige Education Criteria. IACBE focuses on mission-driven outcomes assessment with specific attention to small and faith-affiliated institutions. For most general business career contexts, IACBE accreditation supports credential recognition; for specific career contexts that require AACSB credentials (investment banking, top-tier consulting), prospective students should verify whether IACBE will meet their specific career requirements. Detailed current accreditation status is documented on the Belhaven University accreditation page.

Belhaven also participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) through the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation, allowing the institution to offer online programs to residents of member states without separate state-by-state authorization.

Online course delivery

Online courses are delivered through the Canvas learning management system with mobile app access on iOS and Android. Canvas adapts responsively to device type, supporting students accessing coursework from desktop, tablet, or smartphone. All online classes are recorded and archived, allowing students to access lecture material at their convenience and review content during study or exam preparation. The asynchronous delivery model supports working professionals and students managing variable schedules. Course design typically combines pre-recorded video lectures, readings, discussion forums, individual and group assignments, and proctored or supervised assessments. Faculty are typically practitioners with terminal degrees and substantial work experience, reflecting Belhaven’s practitioner-oriented teaching model rather than the research-focused faculty model at larger research universities.

Business school recognition

Belhaven’s School of Business holds national recognition from Colleges of Distinction as a top Christian business school, with the recognition based on faculty and program quality, real-world experience integration, alumni job placement, Biblically focused multi-disciplinary curriculum, and industry connections. The GSV MBA in Entrepreneurship was recognized by Forbes Advisor Education as one of the Best Online MBAs. These third-party recognitions document external evaluation of the business school’s program quality beyond the institutional IACBE accreditation.

Admission selectivity

Belhaven’s admission profile is moderately selective. The institution evaluates undergraduate applicants based on academic record (GPA, course rigor, performance in core subjects), standardized test scores when submitted (Belhaven is currently test-optional for many applicants), and personal essays where requested. Online undergraduate admission applies similar standards in evaluating bachelor’s-level applicants, though specific requirements vary by program.

Graduate admission requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.8 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Applicants who do not meet regular admission requirements but demonstrate potential for success may be considered for conditional admission. Up to 6 hours of accredited graduate work may be transferred into most master’s programs (with a grade of B or better in each course). The MBA program requires successful completion (grade of C or better) of college algebra or higher mathematics, which prospective applicants with non-quantitative undergraduate backgrounds should plan to address before enrollment if they have not previously completed the prerequisite. International applicants from non-English-speaking countries must submit TOEFL (71 iBT), IELTS (6), or CAEL (70) scores within the past two years.

Online program inventory

Belhaven’s online catalog includes 23 distance learning programs across 1 certificate, 4 associate, 3 bachelor’s, 6 master’s, 1 doctoral, and 8 post-graduate certificate levels. The portfolio is focused on adult learner career-applicable fields (business, nursing, education, applied psychology, public administration, social work) rather than the full liberal arts breadth of the residential campus. Online courses are delivered through Canvas in 7-week terms for most programs, with 8-week graduate business ‘hemesters’ for some MBA-track courses, supporting accelerated completion paths.

Online bachelor’s programs

Online bachelor’s offerings include the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with multiple concentrations, Applied Psychology, Management, Nursing (RN-to-BSN for licensed RNs), and Health Administration. The RN-to-BSN program is CCNE-accredited and serves working nurses pursuing baccalaureate credentials. The BBA totals 124 credit hours with 7-week course length. Belhaven offers associate degrees in general studies, biblical studies, and business as transfer-friendly entry points for students starting their bachelor’s pathway.

Online master’s and doctoral programs

Graduate online programs are concentrated in business administration through the School of Business (IACBE-accredited). The standard online MBA can be completed in as little as 18 months, with 7-week courses taught year-round. Multiple specialized MBA concentrations are available including Public Administration, Health Administration, Sports Administration, Human Resources, Leadership, and Finance. The university also offers a STEM-designated MBA emphasizing data analytics, statistical modeling, and supply chain management, and a GSV MBA (in partnership with Global Silicon Valley) focused on entrepreneurship with a culminating business plan pitch to investors.

Beyond business, the online graduate portfolio includes the Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Health Administration (MHA), Master of Sports Administration (MSA), Master of Science in Computer Information Systems, Master of Science in Information Technology Management, Master of Organizational Leadership, Master of Science in Data Science, and Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence. The Education Doctoral program is delivered primarily online with two required on-campus residency sessions (2-3 days each) for research orientation and dissertation preparation.

New PhD in Business Administration

Belhaven recently announced a new PhD in Business Administration program, expanding the institution’s graduate business education into research-focused doctoral education alongside the existing professional credentials. Prospective doctoral students should verify program-specific delivery format (online versus hybrid) and admission requirements with Belhaven directly, since the program is recent.

Cost of attending Belhaven

Belhaven’s tuition is positioned in the middle range for private Christian universities and is notably more affordable than several alternatives in the Christian online university market. The cost structure produces a meaningfully different total program cost than higher-priced Christian university competitors.

Tuition rates

Belhaven’s MBA at approximately $22,000-$25,000 total is meaningfully more affordable than several comparable Christian online MBA options. For context, Lipscomb University’s online MBA runs $50,220 total (approximately double Belhaven’s rate). Harding University’s online MBA runs under $20,000 total (modestly below Belhaven). SNHU’s online MBA runs $19,000-$24,000 total. Liberty University’s online MBA runs $24,000-$32,000 total. Belhaven’s MBA cost is competitive with the most affordable Christian online MBA options and substantially below the premium-priced Christian alternatives.

Approximately 81 percent of Belhaven undergraduate students receive grants or scholarships, with the average aid amount at approximately $17,837. This covers approximately 59 percent of full residential tuition. Combined with federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for income-eligible undergraduates), federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans, military benefits (Belhaven supports military students with discounts and personalized assistance), and partnership organization tuition discounts, net costs typically run substantially below the published tuition rate.

Financial aid framework

Belhaven participates in federal financial aid programs including Pell Grants, federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans, Federal Work-Study, and federal parent and graduate PLUS loans. Institutional scholarships include merit-based awards for incoming students and need-based grants administered through the financial aid office. Military and first responder benefits are available but cannot be combined with other institutional scholarships or discounts. For the broader financial aid framework for online students, see: FAFSA for Online Students.

Outcomes data

Belhaven’s published outcomes data is positioned in the middle range of online Christian university outcomes. The institution-wide metrics reflect both residential and online programs combined, which means online-specific outcomes may differ from these averages.

Specific program-level outcomes data is available through the federal College Scorecard, which provides median earnings and debt data by program for Belhaven graduates. Prospective students should look up their specific target program on College Scorecard and compare against equivalent programs at alternative institutions before committing to enrollment. Belhaven’s institution-wide median earnings and program-specific outcomes vary substantially by field of study; the business, nursing, and education programs typically produce different earnings trajectories than the social work or applied psychology programs.

Who is Belhaven University Online built for?

Strong fit

Belhaven Online serves several specific student populations particularly well.

Working professionals seeking a Christian academic environment with Reformed/Presbyterian institutional identity. Belhaven’s denominational affiliation is structurally distinct from Liberty (Evangelical), Lipscomb and Harding (Churches of Christ), and Regent (Charismatic-Pentecostal). Students for whom Presbyterian or Reformed theological tradition specifically aligns with their preferences typically find Belhaven a meaningful institutional fit.

Adult learners pursuing the online MBA who specifically value Christian academic integration combined with affordable tuition. Belhaven’s MBA at approximately $22,000-$25,000 total runs roughly half the cost of Lipscomb’s online MBA at $50,220 and is competitive with Harding’s under-$20,000 option, while offering broader MBA concentration variety than most affordable alternatives.

Working nurses pursuing CCNE-accredited RN-to-BSN credentials. The Belhaven RN-to-BSN holds CCNE accreditation, which is the primary nursing program accreditation that supports nurse career progression and graduate nursing program admissions. For general adult learner planning, see: Returning to College After 30.

Students pursuing arts careers who can attend the residential campus. The all-four-arts accreditation (NASAD, NASD, NAST, plus music) is genuinely distinctive among Christian universities and reflects institutional investment in arts education that residential students benefit from directly. Online arts students should evaluate whether specific online arts programs match their career goals, since the accreditation primarily affects on-campus delivery.

Mississippi residents seeking a regional private Christian university option with employer recognition in the state and surrounding markets. Belhaven’s Jackson positioning produces meaningful regional alumni network advantages for graduates targeting careers in Mississippi healthcare, education, government, and business sectors.

Less strong fit

Students prioritizing the lowest possible cost. While Belhaven is more affordable than many private Christian alternatives, secular online options like SNHU ($330/credit) and WGU (approximately $8,540/year flat-rate) produce substantially lower total degree costs. Cost-focused students without specific reasons to prioritize Christian academic integration typically find better value at the secular alternatives.

Students seeking the broadest possible online program inventory. Belhaven’s 23 online programs are focused rather than comprehensive. Students wanting wide selection across many academic fields will find more options at Liberty University (600+ programs across modalities), SNHU (200+ online programs), or Penn State World Campus (175+ programs).

Students pursuing AACSB-accredited business credentials specifically. Belhaven’s IACBE business accreditation is legitimate for most career contexts, but students whose specific career goals require AACSB (investment banking, top-tier management consulting, certain corporate finance roles) should consider AACSB-accredited alternatives. ASU Online, the University of Florida Online, Indiana Kelley Direct, and the University of Illinois iMBA hold AACSB accreditation.

Students seeking CACREP-accredited counseling programs. Belhaven does not currently offer CACREP-accredited counseling, which is required for Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensure in many states. Lipscomb, Liberty, Capella, and Walden offer CACREP-accredited online counseling programs.

Students whose values don’t align with Belhaven’s Presbyterian-affiliated Christian institutional identity. The Christian worldview integration is part of the academic culture across all programs, not a peripheral feature. Students who prefer a secular academic experience should consider public online options or secular private alternatives.

How Belhaven compares to other online options

For prospective students considering Belhaven Online, several other institutions cover overlapping space and deserve direct comparison.

Christian-affiliated online universities

Belhaven’s closest peers among Christian online universities are Liberty, Lipscomb, Harding, and Regent.

Lipscomb University: SACSCOC-accredited Churches of Christ-affiliated private university in Nashville with a more extensive programmatic accreditation portfolio (including CACREP counseling, ABET engineering, ACPE pharmacy). Lipscomb’s online MBA at $50,220 runs approximately double Belhaven’s MBA cost. Lipscomb offers distinctive programs like Entertainment Management (Nashville-tied) and LADAC psychology that Belhaven does not match. Belhaven offers IACBE business accreditation and the all-four-arts accreditation that Lipscomb does not match. Students choosing between them often consider denominational alignment (Presbyterian vs Churches of Christ), program-specific availability, and total cost. Lipscomb University Online College Review.

Liberty University: A much larger Evangelical Christian university (more than 100,000 students total) with the broadest programmatic accreditation portfolio of any private university in the country, including CACREP, CAEP, ABET, and ABA accreditations. Liberty’s scale produces a wider program catalog and competitive online tuition. Belhaven’s smaller scale produces more personalized student experience and the Reformed/Presbyterian denominational identity that Liberty does not match. Liberty University Online College Review.

Harding University: HLC-accredited Churches of Christ-affiliated private university in Searcy, Arkansas, with the most affordable Christian online MBA at under $20,000. Harding’s institutional scale is similar to Belhaven (4,696 vs Belhaven’s 3,616-4,400), with similar selectivity (71 percent acceptance rate vs Belhaven moderately selective). Students choosing between them consider denominational alignment (Presbyterian vs Churches of Christ), regional preference (Mississippi vs Arkansas), program-specific availability, and cost (Harding modestly less expensive at the MBA level).

Secular online alternatives at lower cost

Students who don’t specifically prioritize Christian academic integration typically find dramatically lower total cost and broader program selection at secular alternatives. SNHU charges $330 per credit with more than 200 online programs and monthly start dates. Southern New Hampshire University Online College Review. WGU charges approximately $8,540 per year using a flat-rate competency-based model. For the most affordable online colleges available in 2026, see: 12 Most Affordable Online Colleges in 2026.

Decision framework for specific programs

Different Belhaven online programs deserve different evaluation approaches based on what’s available elsewhere and what Belhaven specifically provides.

If considering the online MBA

Belhaven’s MBA at approximately $22,000-$25,000 is competitively priced among Christian online MBA options. The IACBE accreditation, multiple concentration options (Public Administration, Health Administration, Sports Administration, HR, Leadership, Finance, STEM, Entrepreneurial), 18-month completion timeline, and 7-week course structure produce flexibility that suits working professionals. Direct comparisons: Harding’s online MBA (Churches of Christ, under $20,000, ACBSP business accreditation), Lipscomb’s online MBA (Churches of Christ, $50,220, no AACSB), SNHU’s online MBA ($19,000-$24,000, ACBSP), Liberty’s online MBA ($24,000-$32,000, ACBSP), and AACSB-accredited alternatives at higher cost like the University of Illinois iMBA ($23,800).

If considering the RN-to-BSN

Belhaven’s RN-to-BSN holds CCNE accreditation, which is the primary nursing accreditation supporting career progression and graduate nursing admissions. The program is one of Belhaven’s stronger online offerings for working professionals. Direct CCNE-accredited online competitors include Liberty (CCNE), Chamberlain (CCNE), and most major university online nursing programs. Comparison criteria: total cost, course pacing flexibility, clinical placement support (if applicable), and Mississippi/regional state authorization.

If considering the Education Doctoral

The EdD requires two on-campus residency sessions in Jackson for research orientation and dissertation preparation, which differentiates it from fully online doctoral programs at competitors. Out-of-state candidates should consult with Belhaven’s Graduate School of Education admissions advisor to confirm whether the program meets their state’s specific licensure requirements before enrolling. Direct comparisons include Liberty’s EdD and other regional university online education doctorates.

Bottom line: Should you enroll at Belhaven University Online?

Belhaven University Online occupies a distinctive position in the Christian online higher education market: a SACSCOC-accredited Presbyterian-affiliated private university in Mississippi with an unusually broad programmatic accreditation portfolio (CCNE nursing, CSWE social work, IACBE business, NASAD/NASD/NAST arts, CAEP education), competitively priced online programs (online MBA at approximately $22,000-$25,000), 142 years of institutional history, and the structural distinction of being one of only 36 universities nationally accredited in all four arts disciplines.

Belhaven is a strong choice for working professionals who specifically value Presbyterian/Reformed Christian academic integration, who are pursuing the online MBA at a price point substantially below premium Christian alternatives, who need CCNE-accredited online RN-to-BSN credentials, or who benefit from the Jackson regional employer network. Belhaven is a less strong choice for students prioritizing the lowest possible cost (where secular options like SNHU and WGU win), the broadest possible online catalog (Liberty wins on scale), AACSB business accreditation specifically (which Belhaven does not hold), or CACREP counseling accreditation (where Lipscomb, Liberty, and others hold CACREP that Belhaven does not).

The single most important practical step for any prospective Belhaven Online student: request specific program-level outcomes data from Belhaven admissions, compare against the same data for alternatives at Harding, Lipscomb, Liberty, SNHU, and WGU using the federal College Scorecard, and make the enrollment decision based on the specific program and its specific outcomes rather than general institutional reputation. For the broader framework on planning an online degree as a working adult, see: The Complete Guide to Earning an Accredited Online Degree as an Adult Learner.