Belmont Abbey College
Belmont, North Carolina
Founded in 1876 by Benedictine monks, Belmont Abbey continues to celebrate the 1,500-year-old Benedictine monastic tradition of prayer and learning. Though founded on the Catholic, Benedictine tradition, the college welcomes a diverse body of students regardless of religious affiliation.
Belmont Abbey’s education goes beyond the classroom as it exposes the mind, body, and spirit to the value of the higher things. Such a pursuit of excellence is matched only by the college’s quest to lead lives of virtue. Located just 10 miles west of Charlotte, NC, Belmont Abbey College is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A private college with a liberal arts core, the Abbey makes a quality both education affordable and personal. Students enjoy a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which enables them to have inspiring and productive conversations with top minds, 74% of whom hold terminal degrees. And with a community of love and engagement, the diverse student body explores the joys of the arts, athletics, academics, and their faith.
Get to know Belmont Abbey College
College Highlights
“Because of the foundational years as Belmont Abbey Honors Students, we were prepared to experience the Bishop Pilla program with the mindset to strive for and draw others to that excellence and virtue which is the heart and purpose of our college.” – Mary Margaret Gallaher ‘15
ABBEY ABROAD
A Belmont Abbey education isn’t limited to North Carolina; it continues across the globe through programs in Italy, London, Dublin, and more. In Milan, students in business, finance, international relations, data science, and the humanities are able to learn from world-class professors while exploring Italian culture. Likewise, students interested in law can learn about the foundation of the American legal system in London, where faculty and students together take a spring break trip to study English Common Law traditions.
For students looking to make an impact, mission trips to Haiti provide the opportunity to learn about the Haitian culture, get hands-on experience working on service projects, and become more giving citizens.
THE CORE OF AN ABBEY EDUCATION
The Belmont Abbey Core is an essential part of the curriculum that prepares students to be well-rounded citizens through an exploration of Western history and culture, the humanities, the Catholic tradition, and more. The foundations of the institution’s culture are rooted in the works of Western history’s great minds, introducing James Joyce, St. Thomas Aquinas, Homer, Shakespeare, and others to understand how historic texts have shaped our modern world.
The Core inspires a true appreciation for the fine arts, builds effective written and verbal communication skills, and blossoms a greater understanding of the natural world. Major-specific coursework may help one become a leader in their chosen field, but the Belmont Abbey Core further enables one to become a good and informed citizen regardless of profession.
ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY
Non-U.S. Citizen: 2%
Hispanic/Latinx: 3%
Black or African American, non-Hispanic: 12%
White, non-Hispanic: 63%
Native/Indigenous American or Alaska Native, non-Hispanic: 1%
Asian, non-Hispanic: 2%
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, non-Hispanic: 0%
Two or more races, non-Hispanic: 0%
Race and/or ethnicity unknown: 18%
“I was attracted to Belmont Abbey College mainly for the teaching environment. The Business Department is one of the best because critical thinking is encouraged; with the average class size being roughly 15, the learning environment is perfect for class participation. This allows the focus to be on student development professional growth.” – Sean Faherty, Business ‘15
COMMON GROUND
The first year at Belmont Abbey College begins well before students set foot on campus. Admitted students have the opportunity to participate in “Preview Days,” where prospective students connect with their already college-bound peers and learn about everything Belmont Abbey has to offer. Then, students come to campus before classes start for an in-depth, weekend-long orientation at which they meet their first-year seminar group and become acquainted with the school at large.
With the help of a common summer reading and discussion, students automatically find solidarity and connection with their faculty and classmates. Shared experiences like this are at the core of the first year, including a first-year seminar in which students learn about the college’s resources, the liberal arts education they will engage in, and the service-learning opportunities they have throughout their time on campus.
There are plenty of chances to bond outside of the classroom, too. Students regularly go on field trips and campus tours with faculty, and the annual “Love the Abbey Day” gets students up and moving to give back to their campus and the wider Belmont community.
WRITING-INTENSIVE COURSES
Belmont Abbey’s writing curriculum is rigorous, involving both interdisciplinary coursework and writing in specific fields. The first-year seminar helps students establish a foundation for writing in college, after which they are continually trained to communicate effectively in their class assignments.
From there, students are exposed to the writing styles of their chosen field of study: biology students write detailed lab reports, while English students write literary criticism and creative pieces. No matter their discipline, every student receives the specific guidance they need to meet their field’s academic and career standards.
“Being known and understood, being loved, it’s so easy to find a community that supports you in this place.” – Anja Roy, English ‘16
CAMPUS MINISTRY
Belmont Abbey’s campus ministry lives by “Ora et Labora,” prayer and work. Students involved in campus ministry can pray with one another as well as learn from the monks on campus. Campus ministry also allows students to put their faith to use via the good works that Catholics are called to perform. In collaboration with local organizations—such as the Boys and Girls Club, Catherine’s House, and Habitat for Humanity—campus ministry students give back to their community through service.
SCHOOL LOCATION
Located just 10 miles away from Charlotte, Belmont Abbey’s North Carolina location offers access to activities for students of all interests. The local Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, for instance, offer 450 acres of beautiful North Carolina flora. The city of Charlotte is a great place to catch a show, watch basketball or football, or just enjoy the city life. What’s more, those looking for an outdoor experience can head to the U.S. National Whitewater Center for kayaking, canoeing, rock-climbing, and more.
ATHLETICS
The Belmont Abbey Crusaders field 31 teams, most playing in NCAA Division II.
Men’s Teams: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Cycling, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Tennis, Triathlon, Track & Field, Wrestling, Volleyball
Women’s Teams: Acro & Tumbling, Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Cycling, Dance, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, Triathlon, Volleyball
Coed Teams: Band, Cheerleading, E-Sports
“I think the Abbey definitely shaped me. I love the professors at Belmont Abbey…a lot of them were excellent in forming us intellectually…some of them taught me some of my greatest life lessons.” – Daniel Torres ‘17
INTERNSHIPS
Belmont Abbey’s commitment to top-tier job placement starts with its commitment to help students land internships. The Office of Career Services & Internships is always working to connect students with employers from the Charlotte area and across the country. Internships can be taken for credit or simply for the experience. No matter what, those who engage in an internship are overseen by a faculty advisor who helps contextualize the experience to the student’s education and goals.
CAPSTONE AND THESIS COURSES
Every major at Belmont Abbey is required to complete a thesis, which allows students to understand their chosen fields more closely while developing their research and writing skills. The thesis or capstone experience is designed to encapsulate all of the skills and knowledge a student has earned in their time at Belmont Abbey. Beyond the culminating reward of the project, it also allows students to simulate the work of their future career path. While some are specifically assigned and others are independently formed, all are designed to expose students to the demands of the professional world.
Admission
TEST SCORES
Optional
FRESHMAN PROFILE
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th Percentile: 490 | 75th Percentile: 590
SAT Math
25th Percentile: 480 | 75th Percentile: 590
ACT Composite
25th Percentile: 18 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT Math
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 25
ACT English
25th Percentile: 17 | 75th Percentile: 25
Tuition & Cost
Tuition: $18,500
Room: $5,828
Board: $4,466
What Others are Saying
Contact Belmont Abbey College
Contact Admissions
belmontabbeycollege.edu/admissions
(888) 222-0110
admissions@bac.edu
Campus Location
100 Belmont-Mt. Holly Road
Belmont, NC 28012
(704) 461-6700
info@bac.edu