Bellarmine University vs. AMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, FL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than AMU based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 1,423 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Ave Maria University is in Ave Maria, FL (Distant Rural setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ave Maria University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Ave Maria University 17:1.

Bellarmine University vs. AMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or AMU? 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 AMU ($23,165 vs. $25,294).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 24.8% lower than at Ave Maria University ($10,850 vs. $14,432).
• Bellarmine University is 61.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than AMU (about $18,572 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.5% higher at Bellarmine University than at Ave Maria University (about $18,572 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $30,198.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University as at Ave Maria University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 86.3% larger than aid received by Ave Maria University students ($39,001 vs. $20,936).

Bellarmine University vs. AMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 10 points higher than at AMU (1130).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 24 at AMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Ave Maria University 1018/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; Ave Maria University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; AMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman AMU students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than AMU (41.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 32.8% at AMU.

Bellarmine University vs. AMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and AMU? 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.

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Ave Maria University's (41%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University have median earnings of about $50,300 about ten years after starting college (College Scorecard). Comparable earnings data is not available for AMU.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ave Maria University graduates have a $2,572 lower median loan debt than Bellarmine University graduates ($22,428 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, AMU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bellarmine University graduates ($231 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AMU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 53%)

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.