Bellarmine University vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Murray State University in Murray, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Murray State University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Murray State University 17:1.

Bellarmine University vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or Murray State University? 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 Murray State University than Bellarmine University ($10,182 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 2.4% lower than at Murray State University ($10,850 vs. $11,112).
• Bellarmine University is 392.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $38,870 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 145.9% higher at Bellarmine University than at Murray State University (about $28,934 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $19,836.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University as at Murray State University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 175.1% larger than aid received by Murray State University students ($39,001 vs. $14,178).

Bellarmine University vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bellarmine University or Murray State University? 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 Murray State University and Bellarmine University.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 80 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Murray State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; Murray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Murray State University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

Bellarmine University vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and Murray State University? 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 Murray State University's (52%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $9,900 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 57%)

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.