Spelman vs. Bellarmine University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spelman College in Atlanta, GA with Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spelman College is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (3,417 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spelman College is located in Atlanta, GA (Large City setting); Bellarmine University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Spelman College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spelman College 11:1; Bellarmine University 12:1.

Spelman vs. Bellarmine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spelman 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 Bellarmine University than Spelman ($23,165 vs. $40,354).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 40% lower than at Spelman College ($10,850 vs. $18,091).
• Bellarmine University is 54.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Spelman (about $17,214 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.6% higher at Bellarmine University than at Spelman College (about $17,214 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $31,556.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Spelman College (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 267.4% larger than aid received by Spelman College students ($39,001 vs. $10,614).

Spelman vs. Bellarmine University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Spelman College (1210) is 70 points higher than at Bellarmine University (1140).
• Incoming Spelman students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 25) as students at Bellarmine University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Spelman College 1108/1320; Bellarmine University 1030/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Spelman College 22/29; Bellarmine University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spelman - Test optional; Bellarmine University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Spelman Feb 1, 2027; Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Spelman students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Spelman (24.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.6% at Spelman vs. 13.1% at Bellarmine University.

Spelman vs. Bellarmine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spelman and Bellarmine University? 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.

• Spelman College's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Bellarmine University's (66%).
• Graduates from Spelman College earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Bellarmine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,300 vs. $50,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Spelman graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spelman graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spelman 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.