Bellarmine University

Louisville, Kentucky, United States · Est. 1950 · Private University

Catholic university in Louisville offering liberal arts education with 60+ majors and strong career outcomes.

  • Founded 1950 as Bellarmine College; became Bellarmine University in 2000
  • Private Catholic university in Louisville, Kentucky; 3,077 students (fall 2025)
  • 134-acre urban campus in Belknap neighborhood; 40+ buildings
  • Offers 60+ majors across seven colleges and schools; 50+ master's and doctoral programs
  • NCAA Division I athletics (ASUN Conference); men's basketball won 2011 Division II national championship
  • 99% of graduates employed within 6 months; $1.93M average ROI over 40-year career

Academics

Bellarmine offers over 60 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate and doctoral programs across seven colleges and schools, including the College of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, School of Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Education, and School of Movement and Rehabilitation Sciences. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the W. Fielding Rubel School of Business is AACSB-accredited. Study abroad opportunities are available on six continents in over 50 countries, with more than 35% of full-time students participating in international experiences.

Campus & Student Life

The 134-acre campus features over 40 buildings including the Owsley B. Frazier Stadium (opened 2007), Our Lady of the Woods Chapel (dedicated 2001), the W.L. Lyons Brown Library, Siena residential complex, and the Norton Health Sciences Center. The university has transitioned from a commuter to a residential college, with extensive dining, recreation, and student life facilities. Campus ministry, accessibility services, and a Career Development Center support student success.

Admissions

Bellarmine accepts first-year, transfer, graduate, and international students. Every incoming first-year student receives a merit-based scholarship. The Public Price Promise offers a private school experience at public school prices, and HOPE Kentucky Scholars provides free tuition for qualified Pell and state aid-eligible high school graduates from Kentucky. The university uses both its own application and the Common Application for admissions.

Outcomes

Bellarmine reports 99% of graduates employed within 6 months, with post-graduate employment rates 14% higher than the national average. Graduates experience an average $1.93 million return on investment through higher salaries over a 40-year career. The Career Development Center provides job search strategy, career assessment, résumé review, mock interviews, and employer recruiting events to support student career readiness.

Founded
1950
Type
Private University
Courses
15
Total intake
Not yet verified
AffiliationRoman Catholic
Websitehttps://www.bellarmine.edu/
HousingAvailable
Some details are still being verified.

Quick stats

Courses offered
15
Avg career outcomes
$62.1K
Total intake
Not yet verified
Housing
Yes
Data last verified June 2026 · compiled from official sources