About Spalding University
Spalding University builds careers in helping professions through its health sciences, education, and social work programs. With just 597 students enrolled, this Catholic institution creates an intimate learning environment in Louisville where professors know every student's name. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention that larger universities simply cannot match. Spalding attracts students who want to make a difference in their communities, whether as nurses, teachers, or social workers.
The financial picture tells a practical story for career-focused students. After aid, students typically pay $24,264 per year, manageable for a private education. Graduates earn a median of $49,438 ten years after college, with relatively modest debt loads of $25,250. The monthly loan payment of $268 reflects Spalding's commitment to accessible education rather than prestige pricing. Most students find the investment worthwhile given the strong job placement in growing fields.
Spalding welcomes nearly everyone who applies, with a 97% acceptance rate that reflects its mission-driven approach over selectivity. Women make up 64% of the student body, typical for schools emphasizing caring professions. The Golden Eagles compete in 13 Division III sports, where 271 student-athletes balance academics with athletics. The 57% six-year graduation rate suggests students who persist through this supportive environment typically finish their degrees.
The financial picture tells a practical story for career-focused students. After aid, students typically pay $24,264 per year, manageable for a private education. Graduates earn a median of $49,438 ten years after college, with relatively modest debt loads of $25,250. The monthly loan payment of $268 reflects Spalding's commitment to accessible education rather than prestige pricing. Most students find the investment worthwhile given the strong job placement in growing fields.
Spalding welcomes nearly everyone who applies, with a 97% acceptance rate that reflects its mission-driven approach over selectivity. Women make up 64% of the student body, typical for schools emphasizing caring professions. The Golden Eagles compete in 13 Division III sports, where 271 student-athletes balance academics with athletics. The 57% six-year graduation rate suggests students who persist through this supportive environment typically finish their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Spalding University centers its academic mission around health sciences, education, and social work programs that prepare students for service-oriented careers. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classroom settings. About 51% of students graduate within four years, while 57% complete their degrees within six years. The university's Catholic foundation shapes its approach to professional preparation, particularly in nursing, social work, and teacher education programs. Students benefit from close mentorship with faculty who emphasize both academic rigor and ethical practice. The small enrollment of 597 students creates an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name and can provide individualized guidance throughout their academic journey.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 64.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 51.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 57.3%
- Retention Rate
- 69.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,438
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $87,183 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,967 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $59,124 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $58,402 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $57,811 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $52,941 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $42,044 |
| Social Work. | Master | $39,369 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $35,060 |
Campus Life
The small campus sits in the heart of Louisville, giving just 597 students easy access to Kentucky's largest city. About 56% of undergraduates live on campus in residence halls that house 334 students total. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles personally.
Louisville's humid subtropical climate requires both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the upper 80s. Students often head downtown for Louisville Slugger Museum visits, Kentucky Derby festivities, or indie concerts in the Highlands neighborhood. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service learning and social justice initiatives, though students from all backgrounds attend. With 64% female enrollment and strong programs in nursing and social work, the student body skews toward helping professions. Golden Eagles athletic teams compete in Division III, drawing modest crowds to 13 varsity sports. Weekend social life centers around residence hall programming and off-campus exploration of Louisville's bourbon distilleries and riverfront parks.
Louisville's humid subtropical climate requires both winter coats for January lows in the 20s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the upper 80s. Students often head downtown for Louisville Slugger Museum visits, Kentucky Derby festivities, or indie concerts in the Highlands neighborhood. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service learning and social justice initiatives, though students from all backgrounds attend. With 64% female enrollment and strong programs in nursing and social work, the student body skews toward helping professions. Golden Eagles athletic teams compete in Division III, drawing modest crowds to 13 varsity sports. Weekend social life centers around residence hall programming and off-campus exploration of Louisville's bourbon distilleries and riverfront parks.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 334 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1814
Campus Safety (2023)
27 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–43°F
- July Avg
- 69°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 48.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 4.3"
Student Demographics
Spalding draws students who want personalized attention in health sciences, education, and social work programs. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio attracts those seeking close mentorship. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 597 students, reflecting the university's strength in traditionally female-dominated fields like nursing and social work. Most students come from Kentucky, showing the school's solid local reputation in Louisville's healthcare and education sectors. About one-third receive Pell Grants, indicating Spalding serves many first-generation college students pursuing meaningful careers in service professions.
- Men
- 35.7%
- Women
- 64.3%
- White
- 61.6%
- Black
- 25.5%
- Hispanic
- 6.7%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 73.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.6%
Location
Spalding University sits in Louisville, Kentucky's largest city with over 600,000 residents. The campus occupies downtown Louisville, placing students in the heart of Kentucky's economic and cultural center. Louisville blends Southern charm with Midwest practicality, known for the Kentucky Derby, bourbon distilleries, and a thriving healthcare industry. The Ohio River separates Kentucky from Indiana here, with Cincinnati just 100 miles northeast. Louisville's urban setting gives Spalding students access to major hospitals, social service agencies, and educational institutions that align with the university's health sciences and social work focus. The city offers internships and job opportunities that complement the school's career-oriented programs. Students considering colleges in Kentucky may also compare Spalding University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Louisville, Kentucky 40203-2188
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $49,438
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,549
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $268/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,250
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Spalding University?
Spalding University accepts 97.64% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 982, reflecting the school's focus on providing opportunities for students across a wide range of academic backgrounds.
How much does Spalding University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Spalding University is $24,264 after financial aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $21,467, while tuition is set at $27,850 regardless of residency status.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Spalding University?
Spalding University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 597 total students enrolled. This small Catholic university is known for its personalized attention in health sciences, education, and social work programs.
What are the graduation outcomes at Spalding University?
Spalding University has a 57.30% six-year graduation rate and graduates earn a median salary of $49,438 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 95.9%, reflecting strong career preparation in the university's specialized programs.
Where is Spalding University located and what is campus life like?
Spalding University sits in Louisville, Kentucky, with housing capacity for 334 students on campus. About 73.19% of students come from in-state, creating a close-knit community where 64.32% of students are women.
Does Spalding University offer athletic scholarships?
Spalding University offers $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 13 varsity sports teams with 271 total athletes. The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division III and the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, where athletic scholarships are prohibited by league rules.
