ISU vs. Bellarmine University

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 2,886 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

ISU vs. Bellarmine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or Bellarmine 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 Illinois State University than Bellarmine University ($21,369 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 7.7% lower than at Illinois State University ($10,850 vs. $11,754).
• Bellarmine University is 202.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $32,626 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.9% higher at Bellarmine University than at Illinois State University (about $20,560 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 200.6% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($39,001 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. Bellarmine University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or Bellarmine University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bellarmine University and ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 40 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Bellarmine University 1030/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Bellarmine University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; Bellarmine University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bellarmine University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Bellarmine University (86.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 13.1% at Bellarmine University.

ISU vs. Bellarmine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and Bellarmine University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Bellarmine University's (66%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,000 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($227 vs. $258).
• More ISU 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.