Overview of Bellarmine University
Bellarmine University, located in Louisville, Kentucky, is a private Catholic liberal arts university known for its commitment to academic excellence, service, and a values-based education. Founded in 1950, Bellarmine has developed a strong reputation for providing a transformative educational experience that prepares students for leadership and service in a diverse and changing world. Here’s an overview of key aspects of Bellarmine University:
- Catholic Identity and Values: Bellarmine University is rooted in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the teachings of the Jesuit order. The university emphasizes values such as social justice, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. While the university is Catholic-affiliated, it welcomes students of all faith traditions and backgrounds.
- Academic Programs: Bellarmine offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. The academic programs span various disciplines, including the arts, sciences, business, education, health sciences, and nursing.
- Liberal Arts Education: Bellarmine University follows the liberal arts tradition, providing students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad understanding of different disciplines. The liberal arts foundation is integrated into the curriculum to foster intellectual curiosity and holistic development.
- Honors Program: The Bellarmine Honors Program is designed for academically talented and motivated students. The program offers an enriched curriculum, small seminar-style classes, and opportunities for research, internships, and study abroad.
- Campus Ministry: Campus Ministry plays a vital role in the spiritual life of Bellarmine University. It provides opportunities for worship, reflection, and service, fostering a sense of community and deepening students’ faith. Campus Ministry is inclusive and encourages students to explore and express their spirituality.
- Service Learning and Community Engagement: Bellarmine University places a strong emphasis on service learning and community engagement. The university encourages students to integrate academic learning with practical experiences that address social issues and contribute to the well-being of the community.
- Global Perspectives: Recognizing the importance of global perspectives, Bellarmine University offers study abroad programs and international opportunities for students to broaden their cultural awareness. These experiences contribute to the university’s commitment to developing globally-minded citizens.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Bellarmine University is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse community. The university values and celebrates diversity, recognizing the importance of different perspectives and backgrounds in enriching the learning environment.
- Student Life and Leadership: Bellarmine University provides a vibrant student life experience with numerous clubs, organizations, and leadership opportunities. Students have the chance to engage in extracurricular activities that align with their interests and passions, contributing to their personal and leadership development.
- Athletics: The Bellarmine Knights compete in NCAA Division I athletics as members of the Atlantic Sun Conference. The university offers a variety of varsity sports, including basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and more. The emphasis on athletics aligns with the university’s commitment to holistic student development.
- Fielding Rubel School of Business: The Rubel School of Business at Bellarmine University is dedicated to providing a high-quality business education. The school offers undergraduate and graduate programs that focus on developing ethical and responsible business leaders.
- Annsley Frazier Thornton School of Education: The Thornton School of Education at Bellarmine University prepares educators and educational leaders. The school offers a range of programs, including undergraduate teacher preparation and graduate degrees in education.
- College of Health Professions: The College of Health Professions at Bellarmine University offers programs in nursing, health sciences, and healthcare leadership. The college is committed to preparing professionals who contribute to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.
- Institute for Advanced Analytics: Bellarmine University’s Institute for Advanced Analytics focuses on providing students with the skills needed for success in the rapidly evolving field of data analytics. The institute offers programs that integrate data science, business, and ethical considerations.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Bellarmine University is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The university has implemented initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including energy conservation, waste reduction, and promoting sustainable practices on campus.
- Community Events and Lectures: Bellarmine University hosts various community events, lectures, and cultural activities that contribute to the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of the campus. These events provide opportunities for students to engage with diverse ideas and perspectives.
Bellarmine University stands as a distinguished institution that combines academic rigor with a commitment to service, social justice, and values-based education. Its focus on the liberal arts tradition, Catholic values, and holistic student development creates a unique educational environment. The emphasis on community engagement, diversity, and global perspectives contributes to the university’s mission of preparing students for leadership and service in a complex and interconnected world.
2001 Newburg Road Louisville, KY 40205
Phone: (502) 452-8131
Email: admissions@bellarmine.edu
Web site: http://www.bellarmine.edu
Rankings: Bellarmine University
Located in Louisville, KY, Bellarmine University is one of the best universities in the state of Kentucky. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Bellarmine University in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Bellarmine University.
Bellarmine University is consistently ranked among the best universities in the country. U.S. News & World Report ranks Bellarmine as the 15th best Regional University in the South, with high marks in social mobility, value, and innovation. The Princeton Review also named Bellarmine one of the Best Southeastern Colleges for 2021. In addition, Bellarmine was recognized as a “Top Performer” on Social Mobility by CollegeNET’s Social Mobility Index (SMI). This ranking puts Bellarmine among an exclusive group of colleges and universities nationwide that are leading the way on social mobility.
In addition to its national rankings, Bellarmine also excels in several specialized rankings. For instance, The Princeton Review recognized it as one of the Best Schools for Internships for 2021. This ranking reflects Bellarmine’s commitment to offering students top-notch internship opportunities both on and off campus. Similarly, College Factual ranked Bellarmine as #5 among Kentucky colleges for student outcomes such as graduation rate, loan repayment rate, and earning potential upon graduation. Finally, College Choice recently ranked Bellarmine #21 among best Catholic colleges in America for 2021 – highlighting its commitment to providing a quality education grounded in Catholic values and traditions.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Overall Ranking: | 15 |
| Score: | 69 |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 3.1 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 9 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 81.2% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 63.5% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 27 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 59.0% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.9% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 12:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 72.0% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 14 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 22-26 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | 22% |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | 55% |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 58.4% |
| Financial resources rank: | 40 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 5 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 22.9% |
Essential Facts: Bellarmine University
- Bellarmine offers more than 50 majors in the arts and sciences, business, communication, education, nursing and health sciences The university comprises seven colleges and schools.
- Bellarmine is a member of NCAA Division II and competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, except in men’s lacrosse, which competes at the Division I level in the Southern Conference.
- The Bellarmine Knights are the athletic teams that represent Bellarmine University, located in Louisville, Kentucky, in NCAA intercollegiate sporting competitions.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 43% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 1% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 1% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 45% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | N/A |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA II |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor) |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field (indoor), track and field (outdoor), volleyball |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, dance, drama/theater, international student organization, jazz band, literary magazine, music ensembles, musical theater, pep band, radio station, student government, student newspaper, yearbook |