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Bellarmine University vs University of Kentucky

Bellarmine University is a private university in Louisville, KY. University of Kentucky is a public university in Lexington, KY. Bellarmine University admits about 86% of applicants and University of Kentucky about 93%, making Bellarmine University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,851 a year at University of Kentucky after aid, and about $21,499 at Bellarmine University. About 71% of students graduate at University of Kentucky, compared with 66% at Bellarmine University. Ten years after enrolling, Bellarmine University alumni earn a median of about $62,069, against $59,025 for University of Kentucky.

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY · Private

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Louisville, KY
Lexington, KY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,161
24,763
Acceptance rate
86%
93%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
~3.58 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1250
1070–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,499
$18,851
Full cost / yr
$61,691
$34,391
In-state tuition
$48,770
$13,502
Out-of-state tuition
$48,770
$34,140
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,430
$12,182
$30k - $48k
$19,358
$12,119
$48k - $75k
$17,391
$16,313
$75k - $110k
$21,987
$21,192
Over $110k
$29,194
$26,781
Outcomes
Graduation rate
66%
71%
Freshman retention
75%
87%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,819
$47,266
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,069
$59,025
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$22,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
23%
First-generation students
27%
23%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Dec 1
Regular decision
Feb 1
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bellarmine University or University of Kentucky harder to get into?
Bellarmine University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 93% at University of Kentucky. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bellarmine University or University of Kentucky?
University of Kentucky is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,851 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $21,499 at Bellarmine University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bellarmine University and University of Kentucky?
Before aid, University of Kentucky costs about $34,391 a year and Bellarmine University about $61,691. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bellarmine University or University of Kentucky?
University of Kentucky. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,182 there, against about $18,430 at Bellarmine University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bellarmine University or University of Kentucky?
University of Kentucky is the larger of the two, with about 24,763 undergraduates against 2,161 at Bellarmine University.
Does Bellarmine University or University of Kentucky have a better graduation rate?
University of Kentucky has the higher graduation rate, at about 71% against 66% at Bellarmine University.
Do graduates of Bellarmine University or University of Kentucky earn more?
Bellarmine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,069 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,025 for University of Kentucky. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bellarmine University and University of Kentucky require SAT or ACT scores?
Bellarmine University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Kentucky is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bellarmine University and University of Kentucky look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1250 at Bellarmine University and 1070–1290 at University of Kentucky. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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