Bellarmine University vs. ETSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Tennessee State University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (13,728 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); East Tennessee State University is in Johnson City, TN (Small City setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. East Tennessee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; East Tennessee State University 15:1.

Bellarmine University vs. ETSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or ETSU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at East Tennessee State University than Bellarmine University ($16,286 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Tennessee State University are 2.7% lower than at Bellarmine University ($10,554 vs. $10,850).
• Bellarmine University is 365.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ETSU (about $38,298 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $10,472.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 235.8% higher at Bellarmine University than at East Tennessee State University (about $34,248 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $14,522.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at East Tennessee State University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 286.1% larger than aid received by East Tennessee State University students ($39,001 vs. $10,101).

Bellarmine University vs. ETSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bellarmine University or ETSU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between ETSU and Bellarmine University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 50 points higher than at ETSU (1090).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at ETSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; East Tennessee State University 980/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; East Tennessee State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; ETSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Bellarmine University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at ETSU (3.33).
• ETSU has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Bellarmine University (86.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 24.7% at ETSU.

Bellarmine University vs. ETSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and ETSU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than East Tennessee State University's (44%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $10,300 more per year than ETSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Tennessee State University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($20,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ETSU graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($211 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ETSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.