St. Mary's College vs. Bellarmine University

Comparable Facts

Compare Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN with Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bellarmine University is larger than St. Mary's College based on total student enrollment (2,886 students vs. 1,601 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Saint Mary's College is located in Notre Dame, IN (Rural Fringe setting); Bellarmine University is in Louisville, KY (Large City setting).
• Saint Mary's College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bellarmine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Saint Mary's College 9:1; Bellarmine University 12:1.

St. Mary's College vs. Bellarmine University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, St. Mary's 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 Bellarmine University than St. Mary's College ($23,165 vs. $27,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bellarmine University are 23.9% lower than at Saint Mary's College ($10,850 vs. $14,260).
• Saint Mary's College is 9.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bellarmine University (about $4,460 more per year; $53,230.00 vs. $48,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at St. Mary's College than at Bellarmine University (about $4,460 more per year; $53,230.00 vs. $48,770.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Saint Mary's College as at Bellarmine University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bellarmine University students is 0.7% larger than aid received by Saint Mary's College students ($39,001 vs. $38,748).

St. Mary's College vs. Bellarmine University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Mary's College (1230) is 90 points higher than at Bellarmine University (1140).
• Incoming St. Mary's College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Bellarmine University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Mary's College 1130/1325; Bellarmine University 1030/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Saint Mary's College 26/30; Bellarmine University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: St. Mary's College - Test optional; Bellarmine University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bellarmine University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman St. Mary's College students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Bellarmine University (3.42).
• Bellarmine University has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than St. Mary's College (76%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.1% at St. Mary's College vs. 13.1% at Bellarmine University.

St. Mary's College vs. Bellarmine University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for St. Mary's 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).

• Saint Mary's College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Bellarmine University's (66%).
• Graduates from Saint Mary's College earn a median of about $800 more per year than Bellarmine University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $50,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than St. Mary's College graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bellarmine University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Mary's College graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More St. Mary's College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bellarmine University students, three years after graduation. (85% vs. 73%)

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.