Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions a student and their family will ever make. While factors like campus life, academic offerings, and extracurriculars play a role, one crucial aspect not often discussed enough is the return on investment (ROI) for a student’s initial tuition costs. Bellarmine University offers its students a compelling advantage when measuring total lifetime earnings against the cost of college attendance.
Bellarmine’s ROI Advantage
According to a recent study from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, Bellarmine surpasses public and private Kentucky institutions regarding long-term ROI. Over a 40-year career, Bellarmine graduates see an average return on investment of $1.93 million, significantly higher than the $1.51 million average for private institutions and the $1.56 million average for public institutions.
Even in the short term, Bellarmine provides strong financial value. At the 10-year mark, Bellarmine’s ROI is $162,000, which is well above the $119,300 average for private institutions and slightly ahead of the $156,375 average for public institutions. As time goes on, the Bellarmine advantage grows exponentially.
Since 99% of Bellarmine’s graduates are working or continuing their education within six months of finishing their degree – an outcome 14% higher than the average for all U.S. colleges – the ROI for a Bellarmine degree comes with the confidence that Knights get hired.
Bellarmine's liberal arts tradition is one reason for career success. Employers consistently tell us they want employees who can adapt, interact, and work collaboratively. They want employees who didn't just learn the mechanics of practicing their skills but also learned how to think critically, problem-solve, and communicate.
A Bellarmine education delivers on these skills and cultivates life-long learners who can adapt as the job market changes, so students aren't just prepared for their first job, they're prepared for the job they'll have 20 years from now. In a fast-changing world, the professional agility a liberal arts education provides is more valuable than ever.
Private vs. Public: Understanding the Difference
One key takeaway from the data is that private institutions tend to offer a higher ROI over time despite their sometimes higher upfront tuition costs. While public universities may have lower upfront expenses, private universities like Bellarmine provide long-term financial benefits that outweigh the initial investment. This is a result of smaller class sizes, strong alumni networks, and programs designed to boost career outcomes.
Bellarmine’s ROI outpaces not just public institutions but also the private college average for Kentucky, reinforcing its position as a great choice for students seeking both quality education and long-term financial security.
Investing in Your Future
Investing in a college education should be made with passion and pragmatism. Bellarmine University offers the best of both worlds: a rich academic experience and a financial payoff that continues long after graduation. With a return on investment that exceeds both public and private alternatives in Kentucky, Bellarmine is an institution that prepares students not just for their first job but for a lifetime of success.
Visit Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce to see the data for yourself, and start your journey at bellarmine.edu.