About Bellarmine University
Bellarmine University builds its reputation on Catholic liberal arts education with particularly strong programs in nursing, education, and business. The 2,286 students on this Louisville campus benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention. With an 87.78% acceptance rate, Bellarmine welcomes students who show promise rather than demanding perfect test scores. The SAT average of 1195 reflects a solid middle-tier student body that values both academic growth and community service rooted in Catholic tradition.
Students pay an average net price of $23,587 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $62,069 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,000. With monthly loan payments around $265, most graduates find their Bellarmine investment manageable. The 96.3% employment rate suggests strong career preparation and alumni networks.
The student body tilts 61.24% female, reflecting strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. As a Division I Atlantic Sun Conference member, the Knights field 18 varsity sports with 468 student-athletes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for mentorship that larger universities cannot match. Louisville's urban setting provides internships and job prospects while maintaining a close-knit campus community.
Students pay an average net price of $23,587 after financial aid, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $62,069 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt loads of $25,000. With monthly loan payments around $265, most graduates find their Bellarmine investment manageable. The 96.3% employment rate suggests strong career preparation and alumni networks.
The student body tilts 61.24% female, reflecting strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and education. As a Division I Atlantic Sun Conference member, the Knights field 18 varsity sports with 468 student-athletes. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates opportunities for mentorship that larger universities cannot match. Louisville's urban setting provides internships and job prospects while maintaining a close-knit campus community.
Academics & Faculty
Bellarmine builds its Catholic liberal arts foundation around standout programs in nursing, education, and business. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students by name and provide individual mentoring. With 63.9% of students graduating in four years, the university's supportive environment helps most students stay on track. The nursing program has earned particular recognition for preparing graduates who consistently pass licensing exams at high rates. Education majors benefit from extensive field experiences in Louisville's diverse school districts. Business students gain hands-on experience through internships with local corporations. The liberal arts core ensures all students develop critical thinking and communication skills regardless of their major.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 49.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.7%
- Retention Rate
- 75.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,069
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $83,915 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $67,240 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,202 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,088 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $57,995 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,512 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Bachelor | $49,644 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $49,331 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,813 |
Campus Life
Bellarmine's compact campus sits in the Highlands neighborhood, just minutes from downtown Louisville's restaurants and entertainment districts. About 49% of students live on campus in residence halls that house up to 1,119 students. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates a tight-knit academic community where professors know students by name.
Louisville's four distinct seasons mean you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid summer sessions. With 61% of students being women, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. The Knights compete in 18 NCAA Division I sports, drawing student crowds to basketball and soccer games. Weekend activities center around Louisville's food scene, bourbon distilleries, and the Kentucky Derby festivities each May. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and spiritual programs, though students of all backgrounds attend. Many students volunteer in Louisville's diverse neighborhoods, connecting classroom learning with real-world experience in Kentucky's largest city.
Louisville's four distinct seasons mean you'll need both winter coats for snowy January days and shorts for humid summer sessions. With 61% of students being women, the campus has a collaborative rather than competitive atmosphere. The Knights compete in 18 NCAA Division I sports, drawing student crowds to basketball and soccer games. Weekend activities center around Louisville's food scene, bourbon distilleries, and the Kentucky Derby festivities each May. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and spiritual programs, though students of all backgrounds attend. Many students volunteer in Louisville's diverse neighborhoods, connecting classroom learning with real-world experience in Kentucky's largest city.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,119 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1950
Campus Safety (2023)
31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 26°–43°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 90.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 12.5"
Student Demographics
Bellarmine draws primarily from Kentucky and surrounding regions, with 69% of students staying close to home for their Catholic education. Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting the university's strength in nursing and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. The campus serves a broad economic spectrum, with one in four students receiving Pell Grants. White students comprise the majority at 71%, though the university has been working to diversify its enrollment. The Knights compete in NCAA Division I athletics, adding school spirit to this tight-knit Catholic community in Louisville's highlands.
- Men
- 38.8%
- Women
- 61.2%
- White
- 71.1%
- Black
- 9.7%
- Hispanic
- 7.7%
- Asian
- 3.3%
- In-State Students
- 69.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.0%
Location
Bellarmine University sits in Louisville, Kentucky's largest city with over 600,000 residents. The campus occupies a tree-lined neighborhood just minutes from downtown Louisville's active arts district and riverfront. Louisville offers big-city amenities including professional sports teams, major hospitals where nursing students gain clinical experience, and Fortune 500 companies that recruit business graduates. The Ohio River forms the city's northern border with Indiana. Students enjoy access to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, numerous internship opportunities, and a thriving local music scene. With 69% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Louisville's blend of Southern charm and urban opportunities. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Bellarmine University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Louisville, Kentucky 40205-0671
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,069
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,131
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $43,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bellarmine University?
Bellarmine University accepts 87.78% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who meet basic requirements. The average SAT score is 1195, reflecting the university's focus on welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds rather than pursuing highly selective admissions.
How much does Bellarmine University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Bellarmine University is $23,587, roughly half the sticker price of $47,180. About 25% of students receive institutional grants averaging $35,446, helping make this Catholic education more affordable for middle-class families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Bellarmine University?
Bellarmine maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,286 total students enrolled. This Catholic liberal arts university emphasizes personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between professors and students.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Bellarmine University?
Bellarmine graduates earn a median salary of $62,069 ten years after graduation with a 96.3% employment rate. The university's strong programs in nursing, education, and business help explain these solid career outcomes for its alumni.
Where is Bellarmine University located and what is campus life like?
Bellarmine sits in Louisville, Kentucky, with housing capacity for 1,119 students and a 75.09% retention rate. The campus draws 69.28% of its students from Kentucky and has a student body that is 61.24% women, creating a close-knit community feel.
Does Bellarmine University compete in Division I athletics?
Bellarmine University fields 18 varsity sports in NCAA Division I as part of the Atlantic Sun Conference with 468 total athletes. The Knights offer $4,154,653 in athletic scholarships, representing a significant commitment to competitive sports for a school of its size.
