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Bellarmine University

Accept Rate
93.59%
Grad Rate
63.9%
Enrollment
2,286
Avg SAT
1208
Tuition
$47,180
Median Salary
$62,069
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Bellarmine feels like a tight-knit, supportive community where students are known by name, not just a student ID. The campus is a beautiful blend of classic collegiate architecture and modern facilities, fostering a sense of belonging and school pride. You'll find a collaborative atmosphere where professors and peers genuinely invest in each other's success.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

93.59%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 120875th Pctl
10751243
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2475th Pctl
2228
1122436

Admissions Tips

["Emphasize your interest in Bellarmine's specific programs, like nursing or business, as they value students with clear academic goals. Since the acceptance rate is high, focus on a strong personal essay that highlights your character and commitment to community. Ensure your application showcases any volunteer work or extracurriculars that align with Bellarmine's service-oriented, Jesuit-inspired mission."]

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1208
40080012001600
School range: 1075โ€“1243

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Bellarmine's academic strengths are heavily centered on professional preparation, particularly in health professions, business, and communications, often through hands-on learning and internships. The university prides itself on a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring accessible and engaged professors who prioritize teaching. Undergraduate research is encouraged across disciplines, providing valuable experience for graduate school or the workforce.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
27.1%
Business & Marketing
14.9%
Psychology
10.6%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
7.4%
Biology & Biomedical
7%
Communications
6.5%
Social Sciences
4.4%
Education
4.3%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.8%
Engineering
2.5%
English & Literature
1.9%
Computer Science
1.3%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

63.9%
Graduation Rate
75.1%
Retention Rate
2,286
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$47,180
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$23,587
After financial aid
Total Cost
$60,247
Cost of attendance/year
25%
Receive Pell Grants
52.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Louisville/Jefferson County

Students enjoy easy access to the vibrant cultural and recreational offerings of Louisville, from the bustling NuLu district to the iconic waterfront park. Weekend activities often include exploring local coffee shops and restaurants, attending concerts at the Louisville Palace, or cheering on the city's beloved sports teams. The city's blend of urban energy and Southern charm provides a dynamic backdrop for student life.

Local Rent Check

$1,077 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Louisville/Jefferson County
Explore Louisville/Jefferson County

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$188,720
$0Est. 4 Years: $188,720

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($62,069):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Bellarmine is located in a safe, residential neighborhood of Louisville with a visible campus security presence. The university provides well-lit pathways and a campus shuttle service, contributing to a secure environment for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong focus on career-ready majors with high-demand fields like Health Professions and Business.
  • โœ“ Personalized attention from professors due to a low student-to-facility ratio.
  • โœ“ Prime location in Louisville offering rich internship, cultural, and social opportunities.
  • โœ“ High acceptance rate makes it an accessible option for a quality private education.

Cons

  • โœ— Tuition is high, and the graduation rate is moderate compared to some peers.
  • โœ— Campus is relatively small, which may feel limiting for students seeking a large university atmosphere.
  • โœ— While retention is solid, some students may find the social scene more subdued than in a major college town.

Notable Alumni

Steve Zahn
Acclaimed actor known for roles in 'Reality Bites,' 'Sahara,' and 'Rescue Dawn.'
John Y. Brown III
Former Jefferson County Judge/Executive and son of former Kentucky Governor John Y. Brown Jr.
Dr. Lori Gonzalez
President of Bellarmine University, known for her leadership and focus on student success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellarmine University is particularly known for its strong programs in Health Professions (including its well-regarded nursing program), Business, and Psychology. It also has a reputation for a student-centered, liberal arts education grounded in its Jesuit-inspired values of ethical leadership and service to the community.

No, Bellarmine University is not considered highly selective. With an acceptance rate of 93.59%, it is an accessible option for most applicants. While test scores are considered (average SAT is 1208), the high acceptance rate suggests the university welcomes a broad range of academically prepared students.

Campus life at Bellarmine is described as a close-knit, supportive community. The relatively small undergraduate enrollment fosters a strong sense of belonging, and students are actively involved in campus ministry, service, and a variety of student organizations. Its location in a residential part of Louisville allows students to easily engage with the city's cultural and social scene.

Bellarmine University can be a worthwhile investment, especially for students pursuing high-earning fields like health professions and business. The average net price of $23,587 is significantly lower than the sticker price, and the 10-year median earnings of $62,069 suggest a positive return on investment. The strong professional networks and career preparation add considerable value to the degree.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Norton Healthcare Humana GE Appliances Yum! Brands Kindred Healthcare
Smart Start Score
65

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,543
  • In-State Tuition $47,180
  • Zip Code 40205

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 38.8% โ™€ 61.2%

The Money Talk

With a net price of $23,587, Bellarmine offers a more affordable option than its sticker price suggests, especially for students who qualify for aid. The 10-year median earnings of $62,069 for graduates indicate a solid return on investment, particularly for those entering high-demand fields like healthcare and business. For many, the combination of a strong professional network and a manageable debt load makes the degree a worthwhile financial decision.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $47,180
Housing (12 mo) $12,924
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $67,304
With avg financial aid:
$23,587/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.