Bellarmine University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY with Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Bellarmine University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 2,886 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bellarmine University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bellarmine University 12:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Bellarmine University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bellarmine University or WMU? 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 Western Michigan University than Bellarmine University ($17,331 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 10.9% lower than at Western Michigan University ($10,850 vs. $12,174).
• Bellarmine University is 219.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $33,518 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 156.2% higher at Bellarmine University than at Western Michigan University (about $29,736 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 253% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($39,001 vs. $11,048).

Bellarmine University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bellarmine University (1140) is 30 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 1030/1250; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bellarmine University 23/28; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bellarmine University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at Bellarmine University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Bellarmine University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bellarmine University and WMU? 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 Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Bellarmine University earn a median of about $1,400 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,300 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have a $1,633 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($258 vs. $275).
• More Bellarmine University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 54%)

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.