At $23,587/yr net price, Bellarmine University graduates earn $62,069/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,069/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,587 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $94,348 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,069/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,069/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 67.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,542/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,905/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,870/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,093/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,302/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
67.7% of students at Bellarmine University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 32% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Bellarmine University delivers mixed financial returns, with nursing graduates earning strong salaries but most other majors struggling to justify the cost. The $23,587 annual net price produces median earnings of $62,069 after ten years, which barely clears the debt burden for many programs.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning up to $83,915 annually. Business majors also perform reasonably well at $67,240, making these two programs your best bets for positive returns. However, avoid rehabilitation and therapeutic professions despite the $67,202 salary - the crushing $136,158 in median debt makes this program financially disastrous.
The 67.7% graduation rate and 75% retention rate signal completion risks that could leave you with debt but no degree. Only 25% of students receive aid, suggesting limited financial support beyond federal programs. This creates particular risks for middle-income families who may not qualify for need-based aid but struggle with the full cost.
Bellarmine makes financial sense if you can get into nursing or business and graduate on time. The Louisville job market supports these fields reasonably well. However, you should look elsewhere if you need significant financial aid, want to study liberal arts or education, or have concerns about completing your degree within four years. The rehabilitation programs represent especially poor value given the debt levels required.
Focus on merit scholarships during admissions to reduce your net price below the median. Without substantial aid or enrollment in a high-earning program, Bellarmine becomes a risky financial choice that could burden you with debt for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bellarmine University worth the cost?
Bellarmine University's return on investment depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $83,915 annually within 10 years, making the $23,587 yearly cost worthwhile, but other programs may not justify the expense given the school's average graduate earnings of $62,069.
What are the best paying majors at Bellarmine University?
Nursing programs at Bellarmine University offer the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning $60,088-$83,915 annually. Business majors earn around $67,240, while education administration graduates make $57,995.
How much debt do Bellarmine University graduates have?
Bellarmine University graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable for nursing majors who earn $60,000-$83,000 but potentially problematic for graduates in lower-paying fields. The debt-to-income ratio varies significantly by program.
Does Bellarmine University have good job outcomes?
Bellarmine University's job outcomes are mixed, with only a 67.7% graduation rate and average earnings of $62,069 after 10 years. Nursing and business programs show stronger employment prospects than other majors offered at the school.