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 gives you a moderate but livable financial return. At a net price near $23,600 a year, you carry roughly $25,000 in median debt when you leave, and median earnings ten years out sit close to what a nurse here makes. That debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, but it doesn't leave much cushion if you pick a lower-paying path.
Nursing is the clear winner. The registered nursing bachelor's pays the most of any listed program and feeds directly into Louisville's hospital systems, so you have a local job market that matches your degree. Accounting and finance also pay off in a city with a real corporate and healthcare-billing base. Economics and allied health sit lower, in the high $40,000s, so a Bellarmine degree in those fields earns less than what a nurse here makes while costing the same to get.
The main risk is retention. One in four of you won't return after the first year, and the 68% graduation rate means a real chance you pay for time without finishing. Debt with no degree is the worst outcome here, and it's not rare.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you pay around $18,500 to $18,900, but that climbs steeply above $75,000 and tops $29,000 if you earn over $110,000. Middle-income families see the sharpest jump.
Bellarmine fits you if you're headed into nursing, accounting, or finance and plan to work in the Louisville region. If you're aiming at economics or allied health, or you're a middle-income family paying near full price for a major that pays in the $40,000s, compare this against a cheaper public option before committing.
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.