Principia College vs. Bellarmine University

Comparable Facts

Compare Principia College in Elsah, Illinois with Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than Principia College based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 339 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Principia College is located in Elsah, Illinois (Rural Fringe setting); Bellarmine University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Principia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Principia College 6:1; Bellarmine University 12:1.

Principia College vs. Bellarmine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Principia College or Bellarmine 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 Principia College than Bellarmine University ($18,248 vs. $23,165).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 22% lower than at Principia College ($10,850 vs. $13,910).
• Bellarmine University is 40.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Principia College (about $14,090 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.6% higher at Bellarmine University than at Principia College (about $14,090 more per year; $48,770.00 vs. $34,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bellarmine University than at Principia College (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 28.3% larger than aid received by Principia College students ($39,001 vs. $30,402).

Principia College vs. Bellarmine University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Principia College (1150) is 10 points higher than at Bellarmine University (1140).
• Incoming Bellarmine University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at Principia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 1040/1250; Bellarmine University 1030/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Principia College 19/23; Bellarmine University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Principia College - Not reported; Bellarmine University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bellarmine University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Principia College (3.34).

Principia College vs. Bellarmine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Principia College and Bellarmine 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).

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.