Bellarmine University vs. NKU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Kentucky University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (15,347 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Northern Kentucky University is in Highland Heights, KY (Large Suburban setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Northern Kentucky University 19:1.

Bellarmine University vs. NKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or NKU? 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 Northern Kentucky University than Bellarmine University ($9,211 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 14.6% lower than at Northern Kentucky University ($10,850 vs. $12,712).
• Bellarmine University is 339.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than NKU (about $37,682 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $11,088.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 122.6% higher at Bellarmine University than at Northern Kentucky University (about $26,858 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $21,912.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Northern Kentucky University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 277.5% larger than aid received by Northern Kentucky University students ($39,001 vs. $10,332).

Bellarmine University vs. NKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 90 points higher than at NKU (1050).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 21 at NKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Northern Kentucky University 953/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; Northern Kentucky University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; NKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027; NKU Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Bellarmine University students have the same average high school GPA (3.42) as students at NKU (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than NKU (67.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 36.8% at NKU.

Bellarmine University vs. NKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and NKU? 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 Northern Kentucky University's (37%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $10,600 more per year than NKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $39,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Kentucky University graduates have a $50 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($24,950 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, NKU graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($257 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NKU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 53%)

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.