Bellarmine University vs. Kentucky

Comparable Facts

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

University of Kentucky is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (34,709 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); University of Kentucky is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Kentucky is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; University of Kentucky 18:1.

Bellarmine University vs. Kentucky Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or Kentucky? 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 University of Kentucky than Bellarmine University ($21,958 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 32.3% lower than at University of Kentucky ($10,850 vs. $16,016).
• Bellarmine University is 261.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kentucky (about $35,268 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $13,502.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.9% higher at Bellarmine University than at University of Kentucky (about $14,630 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,140.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at University of Kentucky (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 202.4% larger than aid received by University of Kentucky students ($39,001 vs. $12,898).

Bellarmine University vs. Kentucky Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at University of Kentucky (1180) is 40 points higher than at Bellarmine University (1140).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Kentucky).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; University of Kentucky 1070/1290.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; University of Kentucky 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; Kentucky - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027; Kentucky Feb 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Kentucky students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Kentucky has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Bellarmine University (86.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 22.2% at Kentucky.

Bellarmine University vs. Kentucky Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and Kentucky? 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 University of Kentucky's (59%).
• Graduates from University of Kentucky earn a median of about $700 more per year than Bellarmine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $50,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kentucky graduates have a $2,250 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($22,750 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Kentucky graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($235 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kentucky students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 62%)

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.