Bellarmine University
Bellarmine University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bellarmine University at a Glance
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…
1950
76 years old
$61M
$61.4 million (2025)
3,077
2,365 undergrad · 712 grad
134 acres
Identity
Is Bellarmine University Worth It?
Bellarmine University offers moderate value at $21,499/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $62,069, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.4 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 66% graduation rate means roughly 34% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Bellarmine University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in KY
Ranked #20 of 137 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Regis University | 60 | $18,397 | $72,105 |
| #20 | Bellarmine University | 48 | $21,499 | $62,069 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bellarmine University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in KY.
Best Programs at Bellarmine University
The highest-earning program at Bellarmine University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $26,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Bellarmine University earns $59,300, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $26,600. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,499/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,300 | $59,300 | $25,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $36,500 | $36,500 | $26,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,400 | $34,400 | $27,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $29,400 | $29,400 | $25,000 |
| Psychology, General | $26,600 | $26,600 | $26,000 |
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Louisville, KY
- Student Body
- 2,161 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 66%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,499
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,069
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000