Bellarmine University vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 2,886 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

Bellarmine University vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than Bellarmine University ($17,198 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 6.1% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($10,850 vs. $11,550).
• Bellarmine University is 222.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $33,630 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 126.3% higher at Bellarmine University than at Grand Valley State University (about $27,222 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 248.6% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($39,001 vs. $11,188).

Bellarmine University vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 70 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Bellarmine University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bellarmine University 23/28; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027; GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman GVSU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

Bellarmine University vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University's (63%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University and Bellarmine University graduates have the same median loan debt ($25,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Grand Valley State University and Bellarmine University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($258 vs. $258).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 62%)

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.