Bellarmine University vs. Lee University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Lee University in Cleveland, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lee University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (3,714 students vs. 2,886 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Lee University is in Cleveland, TN (Small City setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Lee University 13:1.

Bellarmine University vs. Lee University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or Lee University? 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 Lee University than Bellarmine University ($20,416 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lee University are 6.8% lower than at Bellarmine University ($10,110 vs. $10,850).
• Bellarmine University is 105% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lee University (about $24,980 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105% higher at Bellarmine University than at Lee University (about $24,980 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $23,790.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Lee University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 152.2% larger than aid received by Lee University students ($39,001 vs. $15,467).

Bellarmine University vs. Lee University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bellarmine University or Lee University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lee University and Bellarmine University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is the same as at Lee University (1140).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Lee University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Lee University 1040/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 23/28; Lee University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; Lee University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lee University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.73) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Lee University (70.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 35% at Lee University.

Bellarmine University vs. Lee University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and Lee University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bellarmine University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Lee University's (49%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $13,200 more per year than Lee University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Lee University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lee University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lee University students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 60%)

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.