Bellarmine University vs. PLU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than PLU based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 2,797 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Pacific Lutheran University is in Tacoma, WA (Large Suburban setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Pacific Lutheran University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Pacific Lutheran University 12:1.

Bellarmine University vs. PLU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or PLU? 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 Pacific Lutheran University than Bellarmine University ($22,299 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 16.6% lower than at Pacific Lutheran University ($10,850 vs. $13,008).
• Pacific Lutheran University is 7.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bellarmine University (about $3,484 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $48,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 7.1% higher at PLU than at Bellarmine University (about $3,484 more per year; $52,254.00 vs. $48,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Pacific Lutheran University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pacific Lutheran University students is 4% larger than aid received by Bellarmine University students ($40,573 vs. $39,001).

Bellarmine University vs. PLU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Pacific Lutheran University (1150) is 10 points higher than at Bellarmine University (1140).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 25) as students at PLU (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Pacific Lutheran University 1040/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; Pacific Lutheran University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; PLU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027; PLU Aug 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman PLU students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than PLU (78%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 14.1% at PLU.

Bellarmine University vs. PLU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and PLU? 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.

• The graduation rate at Bellarmine University is the same as at Pacific Lutheran University (66% vs. 66%).
• Graduates from Pacific Lutheran University earn a median of about $2,000 more per year than Bellarmine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($52,300 vs. $50,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have a $800 lower median loan debt than PLU graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,800).
• Among borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than PLU graduates ($258 vs. $266).
• More PLU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bellarmine University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 73%)

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.