Brescia University: 50.4% Acceptance Rate

50.4%Acceptance

$30,450Tuition

538Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,500Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Roman Catholic

About Brescia University

Brescia University builds health professionals and educators in a close-knit Catholic community. The school enrolls 538 students in Owensboro, Kentucky, where small-town living meets serious academic preparation. Health sciences and education programs drive the curriculum, preparing graduates for careers in nursing, physical therapy, and teaching. With an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, professors know every student by name.

The sticker price of $30,450 drops with financial aid. Students pay an average net price of $14,626, making this private education surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $45,500 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $29,430. Monthly loan payments average $312, reasonable given the earning potential in health and education fields.

Athletics matter here, with 315 students competing in 15 NAIA sports as the Bearcats. Nearly 60% of students are athletes, creating a campus culture centered on teamwork and competition. The school awards over $2 million in athletic scholarships annually. Housing accommodates 313 students in a campus community where 75% of students come from Kentucky. The 90.7% employment rate suggests graduates find work quickly in their chosen fields.

Academics & Faculty

Brescia University operates as a small Catholic liberal arts college with particularly strong health sciences and education programs. The 8:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students personally. However, the 46% six-year graduation rate suggests academic challenges that some students struggle to overcome. The college's nursing and teacher preparation programs have built solid regional reputations in Kentucky. Students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and close mentorship, but the low retention rate of 57% indicates that the academic rigor or fit isn't right for nearly half of incoming students. The small size means limited course offerings but maximized individual attention.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Full-Time Faculty: 62.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 44.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.0%
Retention Rate: 56.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,500
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Social Work.	Bachelor	$33,077
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$27,947

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Brescia's 538 students experience small-town Kentucky living in Owensboro, about 90 minutes from Louisville and Nashville. With only 313 beds on campus, roughly 58% of students live in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where the 8:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The campus sits in a city of 60,000 known for its barbecue festivals and Ohio River location.

Kentucky's four-season climate means you'll need both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and summer clothes for humid 80-degree days. The Bearcats field 15 NAIA sports teams with 315 total athletes, meaning nearly 60% of students compete in varsity athletics. Weekend activities often revolve around games, campus ministry events reflecting the Catholic identity, or trips to Louisville for bigger-city entertainment. The 56.84% retention rate suggests some students find the small setting limiting, while others thrive in an environment where everyone knows everyone and personal attention comes standard.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 313 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1950

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Motor Vehicle Theft	2	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 26°–45°F
July Avg: 68°–92°F
Annual Precipitation: 92.4"
Annual Snowfall: 14.7"

Student Demographics

Brescia draws primarily local students, with three-quarters coming from Kentucky. The Catholic liberal arts college serves a diverse mix that reflects its mission of accessible education. Women outnumber men, likely drawn to the school's strong nursing and education programs. The student body includes significant representation from underrepresented communities. Many students come from working-class families, with over 40% receiving Pell Grants. This demographic makeup aligns with Brescia's identity as a community-focused institution that provides opportunities for first-generation college students and those seeking careers in service-oriented fields like healthcare and teaching.

Men: 43.5%
Women: 56.5%
White: 60.0%
Black: 9.5%
Hispanic: 4.5%
Asian: 3.4%
In-State Students: 75.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.8%

Location

Brescia University sits in Owensboro, Kentucky, a small city of about 60,000 people along the Ohio River. The campus is roughly 110 miles southwest of Louisville and 120 miles from Nashville. Owensboro bills itself as the "Barbecue Capital of the World" and hosts the International Bluegrass Music Museum. The city blends small-town charm with cultural attractions, including riverfront festivals and a thriving downtown arts district. With 75% of Brescia's 538 students coming from in-state, many are drawn to this intimate Catholic college environment. The Ohio River setting provides a scenic backdrop while keeping students connected to Kentucky's bourbon and bluegrass heritage. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Brescia University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Owensboro, Kentucky 42301-3023

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,500
Median Earnings (5 years): $44,810
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 49.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $312/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $29,430

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Brescia University?

Brescia University accepts 50.36% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a small Catholic liberal arts college. With only 538 students enrolled, the admissions process allows for personal attention while maintaining academic standards.

How much does Brescia University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Brescia University is $14,626 after financial aid, lower than the sticker price of $30,450. Students from families earning $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $10,651 on average, reflecting the school's commitment to affordability.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Brescia University?

Brescia University maintains an 8:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring small class sizes and personalized attention. The school is known for strong programs in health sciences and education, where this intimate learning environment particularly benefits hands-on training.

What are the graduation rates at Brescia University?

Brescia University has a 46% six-year graduation rate and 44.53% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $45,500 ten years after enrollment, with a 90.7% employment rate showing strong career outcomes despite the modest graduation rates.

Where is Brescia University located and what is campus life like?

Brescia University sits in Owensboro, Kentucky, a small city setting that provides a close-knit community feel. With housing capacity for 313 students and 315 total athletes competing in 15 NAIA varsity sports, the campus offers an intimate environment where nearly 60% of students are involved in athletics.

Does Brescia University offer significant athletic scholarships?

Brescia University awards $2,156,678 in athletic scholarships across 15 NAIA sports programs. With 315 total athletes on a campus of just 538 students, the Bearcats create a sports-focused culture where nearly 60% of the student body competes at the varsity level.