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Bellarmine named an “Opportunity College” – what does that mean?

Admissions

Choosing the right college is one of the biggest decisions your family will make -- and you want to know that your investment will lead to real opportunities. Here’s some exciting news: Bellarmine University has just received an “Opportunity College and University – Higher Access, Higher Earnings” designation by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education. 

That puts us in the top 16% of colleges and universities nationwide for doing two big things well: 

  • Providing access to students from all backgrounds 
  • Helping graduates earn more than their peers from other colleges 

The study’s authors even note that schools like Bellarmine can serve as a model to help other colleges study how their campuses can ensure student success. In fact, while four other Kentucky institutions are on the Opportunity College list, Bellarmine offers the highest salaries for graduates and the highest lifetime return on investment. 

So, what does that mean for you? 

A University That Reflects the Community 

Bellarmine is proud to serve students from every walk of life. Nearly half of our students are the first in their families to go to college, are eligible for Pell Grants, or identify as students of color. We believe that a high-quality college education should be within reach -- and that your background should be something we celebrate, not something that holds you back. 

 Our commitment to access and affordability includes generous financial aid, scholarships and innovative programs like: 

  • Bellarmine Direct: a streamlined path to admission and a guaranteed scholarship for Louisville high school students. 
  • Public Price Promise: your cost to attend Bellarmine won’t exceed that of your state’s flagship public university. 
  • Hope Kentucky Scholars: covers 100% of tuition and fees for Pell-eligible Kentucky students. 

Outcomes That Speak for Themselves 

This national recognition also reflects the success of our graduates. Here’s the proof: 

  • 99% of Bellarmine grads are working or in graduate school within six months of earning their degree -– an outcome that’s 14% higher than the average for all U.S. colleges and universities 
  • 97% of those are already working in jobs related to their field of study. 
  • Bellarmine grads earn more than graduates from any other Kentucky university -- and that advantage grows over time. 
  • A Bellarmine degree yields a jaw-dropping $1.93 million return on investment over a lifetime. 

Whether you’re interested in business, healthcare, education, the sciences or the arts, Bellarmine prepares you with the experiences that matter most: internships, research, service learning and personal mentoring from day one. 

A Personalized, Purpose-Driven Experience 

Bellarmine’s IMPACT initiative supports students throughout their college journey, focusing on what we know leads to success: 

  • Engagement in campus life and academics 
  • Belonging in a diverse and welcoming community 
  • Wellness with integrated health and support services 
  • Purpose, so you graduate not just with a degree -- but with a direction. 

Take the next step: Learn more or apply today.

Tags: Admissions , Outcomes

 

ABOUT BELLARMINE

Located in the historic Highlands neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, Bellarmine University is a vibrant community of educational excellence and ethical awareness that consistently ranks among the nation’s best colleges and universities. Our students pursue an education based in the liberal arts – and in the distinguished, inclusive Catholic tradition of educational excellence, the oldest and most rewarding in the western world. It is a lifelong education, worthy of the university’s namesake, Saint Robert Bellarmine, and of his invitation to each of us to learn and live In Veritatis Amore – in the love of all that is beautiful, true and good in life.