Bellarmine University vs. Salem College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than Salem College based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 549 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Salem College is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Salem College 9:1.

Bellarmine University vs. Salem College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or Salem College? 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 Salem College than Bellarmine University ($18,668 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 20.9% lower than at Salem College ($10,850 vs. $13,710).
• Bellarmine University is 44.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem College (about $14,922 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.1% higher at Bellarmine University than at Salem College (about $14,922 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $33,848.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University as at Salem College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 30% larger than aid received by Salem College students ($39,001 vs. $30,001).

Bellarmine University vs. Salem College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Salem College (1150) is 10 points higher than at Bellarmine University (1140).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Salem College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Salem College 1066/1243.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 23/28; Salem College 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; Salem College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bellarmine University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Salem College (3.3).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Salem College (76.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 7.9% at Salem College.

Bellarmine University vs. Salem College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and Salem College? 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 Salem College's (53%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $15,300 more per year than Salem College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $35,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Salem College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem College 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.