Bellarmine University vs. WKU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Kentucky University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bellarmine University vs. WKU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University than Bellarmine University ($12,548 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 13.8% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($10,850 vs. $12,582).
• Bellarmine University is 318.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $37,118 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 80.6% higher at Bellarmine University than at Western Kentucky University (about $21,770 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $27,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Western Kentucky University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 257.1% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($39,001 vs. $10,921).

Bellarmine University vs. WKU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 190 points higher than at WKU (950).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 18 at WKU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; WKU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027; WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Bellarmine University students have the same average high school GPA (3.42) as students at WKU (3.42).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Bellarmine University (86.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 30.2% at WKU.

Bellarmine University vs. WKU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and WKU? 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 Western Kentucky University's (50%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Kentucky University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($24,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, WKU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($250 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 47%)

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.