Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 67.7%
- Retention Rate
- 75.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $62,069
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.4%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $83,915 | $41,000 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $67,240 | |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,202 | $136,158 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,088 | $25,000 |
| 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 | $25,137 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $39,009 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $35,729 | $25,853 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $35,701 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $25,990 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Bellarmine graduates earn a median of $62,069 ten years after graduation, putting them ahead of many liberal arts peers. With median debt of $25,000, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 40%. Monthly loan payments of $265 consume about 5% of typical graduate income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The university's Catholic mission and strong programs in nursing, education, and business create clear career pathways into stable, service-oriented fields. A 96.3% employment rate reflects the practical focus of Bellarmine's curriculum. While not a prestige destination, the combination of reasonable debt loads and solid earning potential delivers a strong return on investment for students seeking professional preparation.