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Bellarmine University vs Western Kentucky University

Bellarmine University is a private university in Louisville, KY. Western Kentucky University is a public university in Bowling Green, KY. Bellarmine University admits about 86% of applicants and Western Kentucky University about 94%, making Bellarmine University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $10,990 a year at Western Kentucky University after aid, and about $21,499 at Bellarmine University. About 66% of students graduate at Bellarmine University, compared with 55% at Western Kentucky University. Ten years after enrolling, Bellarmine University alumni earn a median of about $62,069, against $43,889 for Western Kentucky University.

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY · Private

Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Louisville, KY
Bowling Green, KY
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,161
12,155
Acceptance rate
86%
94%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.35–3.85
3.09–3.59
SAT (middle 50%)
1030–1250
840–1050
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
16–21
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$21,499
$10,990
Full cost / yr
$61,691
$24,188
In-state tuition
$48,770
$11,652
Out-of-state tuition
$48,770
$27,000
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,430
$7,087
$30k - $48k
$19,358
$6,871
$48k - $75k
$17,391
$9,765
$75k - $110k
$21,987
$14,049
Over $110k
$29,194
$17,653
Outcomes
Graduation rate
66%
55%
Freshman retention
75%
78%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,819
$38,156
Median earnings (10 yr)
$62,069
$43,889
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$22,095
Student body
Pell grant recipients
31%
30%
First-generation students
27%
36%
International students
2%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Feb 1
Rolling

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 Western Kentucky University harder to get into?
Bellarmine University is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 94% at Western Kentucky University. 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 Western Kentucky University?
Western Kentucky University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $10,990 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 Western Kentucky University?
Before aid, Western Kentucky University costs about $24,188 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 Western Kentucky University?
Western Kentucky University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $7,087 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 Western Kentucky University?
Western Kentucky University is the larger of the two, with about 12,155 undergraduates against 2,161 at Bellarmine University.
Does Bellarmine University or Western Kentucky University have a better graduation rate?
Bellarmine University has the higher graduation rate, at about 66% against 55% at Western Kentucky University.
Do graduates of Bellarmine University or Western Kentucky University earn more?
Bellarmine University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,069 ten years after enrolling, against about $43,889 for Western Kentucky University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bellarmine University and Western Kentucky University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bellarmine University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Kentucky University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Bellarmine University and Western Kentucky University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1030–1250 at Bellarmine University and 840–1050 at Western Kentucky University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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