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University of Louisville vs Bellarmine University: which has better ROI?

Public, Louisville KY · vs · Private nonprofit, Louisville KY

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Bellarmine University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $85,996 in 6.3 years versus 13 years at University of Louisville, on median earnings of $62,069 vs $53,899 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of LouisvilleBellarmine University
Net price / yr$17,988$21,499
Total net cost$71,952$85,996
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,899$62,069
Median debt$20,500$25,000
Payback13 yrs6.3 yrs
20-year net return$38,828$188,184

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or Bellarmine University?

University of Louisville, at $17,988 a year after aid versus $21,499 — a gap of $3,511 a year, or $14,044 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Louisville or Bellarmine University graduates earn more?

Bellarmine University graduates report a median $62,069 ten years after entry, $8,170 more than the $53,899 at University of Louisville. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Louisville or Bellarmine University?

University of Louisville: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Bellarmine University, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at Bellarmine University, against 61% at University of Louisville. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Louisville vs Bellarmine University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Louisville or Bellarmine University a better value?
Bellarmine University. It clears its $85,996 net cost in about 6.3 years versus 13 years at University of Louisville, on median earnings of $62,069 vs $53,899 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Louisville or Bellarmine University?
University of Louisville: $17,988/yr net price after aid versus $21,499/yr at Bellarmine University — a difference of $3,511 a year, or about $14,044 over four years.
Do University of Louisville or Bellarmine University graduates earn more?
Bellarmine University graduates earn a median $62,069 ten years after entry, versus $53,899 at University of Louisville — a $8,170 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.