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Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY·Private nonprofit·2,286 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. generous financial aid cuts net price well below sticker.

94%
Accept
2,286
Students
$23,587
Net Price
68%
Grad Rate
$50,600
Earnings
10 yr
$20,000
Debt

About This School

Bellarmine University is a private nonprofit institution located in Louisville, Kentucky with approximately 2,286 undergraduate students enrolled. Bellarmine University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 94%. The average net price after financial aid is $23,587 per year. The graduation rate is 68%, and the typical graduate earns $50,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bellarmine University is a private Catholic university in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. It opened on October 3, 1950, as Bellarmine College, established by Archbishop John A. Floersh of the Archdiocese of Louisville and named after Saint Robert Bellarmine. In 2000, it became Bellarmine University. The university is organized into seven colleges and schools and confers bachelor's and master's degrees in more than 50 academic majors, along with seven doctoral degrees; it is classified among "D/PU: Doctoral/Professional Universities".

This small Catholic university in Louisville offers a genuinely affordable path — median debt at graduation is just $20,000, which is well below the national average — and the tight-knit campus (under 2,300 undergrads) suits students who want personal attention over a big university experience. The numbers tell a mixed story, though: a 75% freshman retention rate and 68% graduation rate suggest a meaningful share of students struggle to finish, so it's worth asking honestly whether the academic and financial support systems are a fit for you. Worth considering if you're drawn to health professions or business in the Louisville area, where the location and local employer connections can help explain median earnings of $50,600 a decade out.

Founded
1950
Setting
Large city

Popular Programs

Health Professions27%
Business & Marketing15%
Psychology11%
Biological Sciences7%
Communications6%
Social Sciences4%
Education4%
Visual & Performing Arts4%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Charles C. ThompsonPaul D. Etienne

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1208
Reading 75th %ile613
Math 75th %ile630

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite24

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$47,180
Out-of-State Tuition
$47,180
Avg Net Price
$23,587
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants25%
Median debt at graduation$20,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
68%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
75%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$20,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$20,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$43,100
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.5x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White71%
Black10%
Hispanic/Latino8%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2,286 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bellarmine University

2001 Newburg Rd

Louisville, KY 40205-0671

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Kentucky

Browse all Kentucky schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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