Bellarmine University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Bellarmine University: Rankings, Courses, Admissions, Tuition Fee, Cost of Attendance & Scholarships

Louisville, KentuckyLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1950established year
3759enrollment
SACSSCOC
Private (Not for Profit)
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Study Abroad Team

Updated on - Sep 8, 2026

Bellarmine University is a private Catholic institution in Louisville, Kentucky, ranked #301 in the US News Best Colleges 2026 National Universities list. Founded in 1950 and named after Saint Robert Bellarmine, the campus sits on 145 acres in the Highlands neighbourhood and enrols 3,759 students, including learners from 26 countries.

Bellarmine University fees for Indian students span undergraduate, master’s and doctoral pathways in business, nursing, health sciences, education, digital media and physical therapy. All programmes are English-medium. The university runs two intakes each year, Fall (August) and Spring (January), giving Indian applicants a second entry point that many US peers do not offer. For a wider view of postgraduate options in the country, see this MS universities in USA guide.

Also Check: MS Universities in USA for Indian Students 2027

  • US News National Rank: #301 (2026 edition)
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
  • PG Tuition (per credit): $700 to $1,300 (₹66,150 to ₹1.23 lakh)
  • Total Enrolment: 3,759 students across UG and PG
  • Average Starting Salary (Graduate degree): $68,000 (₹64.26 lakh)

Bellarmine keeps its published sticker price at $50,490 for undergraduate tuition and fees in 2026-2027, and applies merit scholarships that can materially lower the net cost for international candidates. Indian applicants use the F-1 student visa route and can access up to 36 months of post-study OPT for eligible STEM programmes.

Exchange rate used: 1 USD = ₹94.5 as of September 2026

Admission Status: Closing Soon (Spring 2027 intake). The international application deadline for the Spring 2027 (January) intake is 1 October 2026, roughly three weeks from today. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 (August) entry, is expected to open around November 2026 with an international deadline of 1 June 2027, following the prior-year pattern. Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 should begin WES or SpanTran credential evaluation now.


Popular Courses and Fees at Bellarmine University 2027

Bellarmine University fees are structured per credit hour for graduate programmes and as a flat annual figure for undergraduate degrees. Master’s programmes typically require 30 to 38 credits, doctoral pathways range from 36 to 101 credits, and the Doctor of Physical Therapy uses a three-year flat tuition model. As per the official Bellarmine Graduate Tuition Rates page, all listed rates apply to the 2026-2027 academic year.

Top 10 PG Programmes at Bellarmine University

The table lists the ten graduate programmes Indian students most commonly apply to, with total tuition derived from per-credit rate multiplied by required credits.

ProgrammeTotal Fee (USD)Total Fee (₹ Lakh)Entry Requirement
MBA (Online)$31,73029.99 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
Executive MBA$39,00036.86 lakhBachelor’s plus 5+ years work experience (recommended)
MS Digital Media$25,05023.67 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Health Science$25,05023.67 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
MS Respiratory Therapy$39,20037.04 lakhBachelor’s in a health science field (recommended)
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)$25,050 to $27,60023.67 to 26.08 lakhBSN with active RN licence (recommended)
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)$21,000 to $23,10019.85 to 21.83 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
Master of Education (MEd)$21,00019.85 lakhBachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended)
PhD Health Professions Education$35,68533.72 lakhMaster’s degree with 60% or CGPA 6.0/10 (recommended)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)$125,000118.13 lakhBachelor’s with 65% or CGPA 6.5/10 (recommended)

[Source: Bellarmine University Graduate Tuition Rates 2026-2027]

Top 5 UG Programmes at Bellarmine University

Undergraduate tuition is a flat annual figure of $48,900 plus $1,590 in fees for all majors; totals shown are for four-year Bachelor’s degrees.

ProgrammeTotal Fee (USD, 4 years)Total Fee (₹ Lakh)Entry Requirement
BS Business Administration$201,960190.85 lakhClass 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended)
BS Nursing (BSN)$201,960190.85 lakhClass 12 with 75% and science background (recommended)
BA Communication$201,960190.85 lakhClass 12 with 70% (recommended)
BS Computer Science$201,960190.85 lakhClass 12 with 75% and Maths (recommended)
BA Psychology$201,960190.85 lakhClass 12 with 70% (recommended)

[Source: Bellarmine University Cost of Attendance 2026-2027]

Insider note: Indian students most often pick the online MBA, MS Digital Media and DPT at Bellarmine. Nursing pathways (MSN, DNP) usually require verification of Indian nursing licensure before enrolment.

Read More: Bellarmine University Fees and Cost of Living Guide


Bellarmine University Admission 2027

Bellarmine admission for Indian students runs on two intakes each year. Fall is the primary entry for most postgraduate programmes, while Spring is a widely available secondary intake.

MilestoneDateNotes for Indian Applicants
Spring 2027 international application deadline1 October 2026Applies to most graduate and undergraduate programmes
Spring 2027 programme startJanuary 2027Orientation in early January
Fall 2027 international application deadline1 June 2027Primary intake for most programmes
Credential verification (WES or SpanTran)Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadlineCourse-by-course evaluation required
Fall 2027 programme startAugust 2027Orientation in mid-August

[Source: Bellarmine University International Admission Requirements]

Planning note: Indian applicants who send transcripts directly to Bellarmine without a WES or SpanTran evaluation are asked to resubmit, which typically adds three to four weeks. Start credential evaluation before finalising the application.

Read More: Bellarmine University Admissions Guide for Indian Students


Bellarmine University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027

Bellarmine admission requirements centre on academic transcripts, an English proficiency score and a course-by-course credential evaluation.

Bellarmine University Postgraduate Requirements

  • Academic: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 for most master’s programmes (recommended); nursing and DPT programmes expect 60% or higher
  • English test: TOEFL iBT 79 or 80, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo English Test 105, or MELAB 78
  • Credential evaluation: Course-by-course report from WES or SpanTran, submitted directly to Bellarmine
  • Financial documentation: Bank statement showing funds for one academic year of study

Bellarmine University Undergraduate Requirements

  • Academic: Class 12 with a minimum of 70% (recommended); nursing and computer science expect 75% or higher
  • English test: Same TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo or MELAB minimums as PG applicants
  • Credential evaluation: WES or SpanTran evaluation of Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets

Note: Applicants who completed at least one year of full-time university study (24 earned credit hours with 2.0 GPA) in a TOEFL-exempt country are exempt from the English test requirement. Indian applicants studying in English-medium programmes should still confirm exemption in writing before applying.


Bellarmine University Acceptance Rate 2027

Bellarmine University acceptance rate is 82% based on 4,191 undergraduate applications processed in the most recent Fall admissions cycle, as per the official US News profile. This is a moderately selective admission environment, well above the US private-university average of around 65%.

YearAcceptance RateTrend
202682%Stable
202582%Stable

Postgraduate admission is programme-specific: nursing, DPT and CRNA cohorts are cohort-capped and admit at rates well below 82%. Business and education master’s admit more openly.

Reality check: A high headline acceptance rate does not remove the need for a competitive Indian profile. Applicants with 60%+ in the qualifying degree and a strong English score have a realistic pathway; nursing and physical therapy remain selective within Bellarmine’s overall pool.

Read More: Bellarmine University Acceptance Rate


Bellarmine Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027

Total annual cost for an Indian student at Bellarmine ranges from $45,000 to $75,000 (₹42.53 to 70.88 lakh) depending on programme, housing choice and lifestyle. Louisville is one of the most affordable large cities in the US, which materially lowers non-tuition costs.

Bellarmine Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2026-2027

Tuition varies by level; graduate programmes charge per credit hour, undergraduate charges are annual.

LevelTuition (USD)Tuition (₹ Lakh)
Undergraduate (annual)$50,49047.71 lakh
Master’s total (30 to 38 credits)$21,000 to $49,40019.85 to 46.68 lakh
Doctorate total$35,685 to $125,00033.72 to 118.13 lakh

[Source: Bellarmine University Tuition Rates 2026-2027]

Monthly Cost of Living in Louisville for Indian Students

Louisville sits well below US metropolitan averages for both rent and daily expenses; the figures below reflect generic city estimates for a full-time student.

ExpenseMonthly (USD)Monthly (₹)
Accommodation (shared off-campus)$700 to $950₹66,150 to ₹89,775
Food and groceries$300 to $400₹28,350 to ₹37,800
Transportation (TARC bus pass)$55₹5,198
Books and supplies$80₹7,560
Personal and utilities$200 to $300₹18,900 to ₹28,350
Total monthly (estimated)$1,335 to $1,785₹1.26 to ₹1.69 lakh
Total annual (estimated)$16,020 to $21,42015.14 to 20.24 lakh

[Source: Louisville city cost benchmarks (estimated)]

Insider note: Shared apartments in the Highlands or Bardstown Road area (within a 20-minute bus ride of campus) run $500 to $700 per bed. On-campus housing is guaranteed for first-year undergraduates but not for graduate students.

Read More: Cost of Living in USA for Indian Students


Bellarmine University Campus, Facilities and Student Life

The Bellarmine campus covers 145 acres in the Highlands, a residential neighbourhood four miles south-east of downtown Louisville.

  • Location and transport: The TARC city bus network connects campus to downtown Louisville in under 25 minutes; a monthly pass costs $55
  • Housing: On-campus rooms are guaranteed for undergraduate freshmen; graduate students typically live off-campus for $500 to $950 per bed per month
  • Facilities: The W.L. Lyons Brown Library, Norton Health Science Center and SuRF athletic facility are the most-used buildings for graduate students
  • Indian community: Bellarmine’s international student cohort spans 26 countries; the Office of International Programs runs orientation, tax filing help and immigration advising

What Indian students say: The class sizes are small and faculty accessibility is high. Louisville is quieter than metro hubs, which suits students focused on academics, but weekend social life leans on student clubs rather than a large Indian diaspora.


Bellarmine University Scholarships 2027

Bellarmine scholarships are primarily merit-based and available to international applicants through the Office of Admission. Bellarmine confirms that award amounts are decided on an individual basis; the university does not publish a fixed international scholarship value.

ScholarshipTypeAward ValueEligibilityDeadline
Bellarmine University Scholars ScholarshipMerit, tuitionUp to $40,350 per year (₹38.13 lakh)Top academic profile; renewable for 3 years plus a study-abroad stipendApplied with admission
Trustee ScholarshipMerit$1,500 per year (₹1.42 lakh)Campus visit and FAFSA before 1 May; renewable for 4 years1 May
Alumni Association LegacyLegacy plus need$4,000 total (₹3.78 lakh)Child or grandchild of a Bellarmine or Ursuline graduate1 February
International Merit ScholarshipMeritAmount determined individually; verify at official pageAwarded through Office of Admission at time of offerApplied with admission
Alumni and Affiliate Discount (PG)Tuition discount20% off master’s; 15% off doctorates (excludes DPT and CRNA)Bellarmine alumni or partner-organisation affiliatesApplied at enrolment

[Source: Bellarmine Institutional Assistance]

Planning note: The Bellarmine University Scholars Scholarship and other undergraduate merit awards are decided at the point of admission; there is no separate scholarship application for most Indian applicants. Submit the admission file well before the deadline to be considered.

Read More: Bellarmine University Scholarships Guide


Bellarmine University Rankings 2027

Bellarmine University’s strongest current ranking is #301 in the US News Best Colleges 2026 National Universities list. The university is not currently placed in the QS, THE or ARWU global tables, which is typical for smaller US national universities focused on teaching and applied programmes.

Ranking BodyLatest EditionPrevious EditionTwo Editions Back
US News National Universities2026: #3012025: NA2024: NA
QS World University Rankings2027: Not ranked2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked
THE World University Rankings2026: Not ranked2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked
ARWU Shanghai2025: Not ranked2024: Not ranked2023: Not ranked

[Source: US News Best Colleges, QS, Times Higher Education, ShanghaiRanking]

Bellarmine also holds #58 in the US News Best Undergraduate Teaching sub-ranking, and Niche places it at #1 for Best College Location in Kentucky. The Doctor of Physical Therapy and Respiratory Therapy programmes receive strong national recognition in specialty rankings.

Key insight: A US News National ranking (rather than a global QS or THE placement) is common for Bellarmine’s tier of US institution and is fully recognised by USCIS for F-1 visa issuance. It also carries weight with Indian employers who recruit US-educated candidates.

Read More: Bellarmine University Rankings Analysis


Bellarmine University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027

Bellarmine reports strong post-graduation outcomes across both undergraduate and graduate cohorts, with the Career Development Center running a placement rate above the US private-university average.

  • Employment or continuing education within 6 months: 99% (all cohorts combined)
  • Working in field of study: 91%
  • Average starting salary (Bachelor’s): $50,000 (₹47.25 lakh)
  • Average starting salary (Graduate degree): $68,000 (₹64.26 lakh)
  • Post-study work visa: 12-month OPT for non-STEM; up to 36 months for STEM-designated programmes; MBA and DPT graduates typically use OPT for entry-level US roles before returning to India

Top hiring sectors for Bellarmine graduates include healthcare (Norton Healthcare and Baptist Health are among the largest regional employers), financial services and K-12 education. The university does not publish an official top-recruiter list for international graduates.

Insider note: Indian graduates from nursing, DPT and MBA programmes at Bellarmine most often stay in the Louisville-Cincinnati-Nashville corridor for OPT before deciding between US permanent residency or returning to India.

Bellarmine University vs Peer Universities

The peer set below compares Bellarmine with three other private, mid-sized US universities that appear on Indian shortlists for MBA, nursing and health-science master’s.

UniversityUS News National 2026Avg Annual PG Fee (USD)Avg Annual PG Fee (₹ Lakh)Differentiator
Bellarmine University#301$21,000 to $49,40019.85 to 46.68 lakhStrong nursing and DPT; Louisville affordability
Xavier University (Cincinnati)#166$25,000 to $40,00023.63 to 37.80 lakhJesuit Catholic; larger MBA cohort
Spalding UniversityRegional (KY)$21,000 to $35,00019.85 to 33.08 lakhSame city; smaller international office
University of Louisville#210$30,000 to $45,00028.35 to 42.53 lakhPublic research university; broader programme catalogue

[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026 (estimated PG ranges)]

Bellarmine stands out on two dimensions: a nationally ranked physical therapy programme and a lower Louisville cost of living than comparable Catholic peers in larger metros.

Bellarmine University suits Indian applicants who want a small, teaching-focused private US education in a low-cost city, especially those targeting nursing, physical therapy, respiratory therapy or an online MBA. The total four-year investment of roughly ₹190 lakh for a Bachelor’s or ₹40 to 60 lakh for a master’s is repayable against the $68,000 median graduate salary, and the F-1 visa pathway to OPT is straightforward.

Bellarmine is not the right fit for applicants who need a top-100 US News ranking, a large Indian student community on campus, or a research-heavy PhD environment. Candidates prioritising those factors should shortlist the University of Louisville or a larger regional public university alongside Bellarmine.


Bellarmine University FAQs

Ques. Which English tests does Bellarmine accept beyond TOEFL and IELTS?

Ans. Bellarmine accepts four tests: TOEFL iBT with a minimum of 79 or 80, IELTS with 6.0, Duolingo English Test with 105, and MELAB with 78. Indian students studying in English-medium programmes may qualify for a test waiver if they completed at least one year of full-time university study in a TOEFL-exempt country with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Written exemption should be confirmed before applying.

Ques. How long can Bellarmine graduates stay in the US after graduation?

Ans. Non-STEM graduates receive 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) on the F-1 visa. STEM-designated programmes at Bellarmine, including certain science and technology master’s, qualify for a 24-month OPT extension, giving a total of 36 months of US work authorisation. Curricular Practical Training is available during the degree for internships tied to coursework, and STEM extension eligibility must be confirmed with the programme office.

Ques. Does Bellarmine require GRE or GMAT for its MBA and MS programmes?

Ans. The Bellarmine online MBA is GMAT-optional for most applicants. GRE is not required for MS Digital Media, MS Health Science or MEd. GRE or GMAT waivers are typically granted for applicants with a bachelor’s CGPA above 6.5/10 or three years of full-time work experience. The Executive MBA does not require GMAT and prioritises work-experience review at the interview stage.

Ques. What is the application fee at Bellarmine for international students?

Ans. The Bellarmine undergraduate application fee is waived for most online applications submitted through the university portal. Graduate application fees vary by programme, typically ranging from $40 to $50. Fee waivers are offered case by case; Indian applicants can request a waiver by emailing the Office of Admission with proof of financial need before submitting the application.

Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at Bellarmine?

Ans. Yes, F-1 students at Bellarmine can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training authorisation, which is tied to a specific course requirement, or Optional Practical Training used after year one. On-campus roles include library assistants, teaching assistants and dining services and pay roughly $10 to $15 per hour.

Ques. Which Indian education loan providers recognise Bellarmine University?

Ans. Bellarmine is on the approved US-institution list for major Indian education loan providers including HDFC Credila, Avanse, ICICI Bank, Auxilo and State Bank of India’s Global Ed-Vantage scheme. Loan amounts up to ₹40 lakh are typically unsecured; larger sanctions covering the full ₹190 lakh undergraduate cost require collateral. F-1 I-20 issuance from Bellarmine is accepted as the primary loan-disbursement document.

Ques. What financial proof does Bellarmine require for the F-1 visa I-20?

Ans. Bellarmine requires a bank statement or funding letter showing enough to cover one academic year of tuition, fees and living expenses, roughly $65,000 to $75,000 for undergraduate applicants. Statements should be dated within the last six months. Sponsor affidavits are accepted for parents or immediate family. This documentation is separate from the visa interview financial proof at the US consulate.

Ques. Is on-campus housing available for international graduate students at Bellarmine?

Ans. On-campus housing at Bellarmine is guaranteed for first-year undergraduates and prioritised for continuing undergraduates. Graduate students typically live off-campus in shared apartments in the Highlands or Bardstown Road area, within a 20-minute bus ride of the university. Rents run $500 to $950 per bed per month. The Office of International Programs shares a vetted list of student-friendly landlords each intake.

Top Recommended Courses


2 years
Fast Track, Online
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: GMAT460|IELTS6.0|TOEFL79
INR 22.8 L/YrUSD 23,850 /Yr

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6
INR 19.8 L/YrUSD 20,700 /Yr

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4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL79|Duolingo105
INR 45.1 L/YrUSD 47,180 /Yr
4 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6|TOEFL79|Duolingo105
INR 45.1 L/YrUSD 47,180 /Yr

Master of Science [M.S] Nursing Education

2 years
On Campus
English
Full Time
Exam Scores: IELTS6
INR 22.8 L/YrUSD 23,850 /Yr

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Bellarmine University Ranking

2025202420232019

US News logo
Education 179 out of 258 in Global Ranking
( #44 out of 211 in USA 2025)

Do you think the Rankings are wrong ?  Report Here

Bellarmine University Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Novus Biological Scholarship ProgramScholarship per student₹ 1.4 L/Yr$1,500Level Of StudyAssociateTypeMerit-Based
Washington DC ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Claes Isacson ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 19.1 L/Yr$20,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeNeed-Based
TEC ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
BeArt Presets-Academic ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 2.4 L/Yr$2,500Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial ScholarshipScholarship per student₹ 95,580/Yr$1,000Level Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based

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Bellarmine University Admissions

  • Early Action Deadlines

    Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)
  • Regular Decision Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
    Important Date: April1 (Application results)

Bellarmine University Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Language Proficiency
TOEFL-80--
IELTS-6--
Undergraduate
SAT11301050121016
Check Detailed Score
Evidence-Based Reading and Writing570530610-
Mathematics560520600-
ACT25222793
Check Detailed Score
English242127-
Mathematics262329-

Attendance Cost

₹4,542,917

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
₹4,542,917 / Year
Post Graduate Program
₹2,313,036 / Year
On Campus
Books & Supplies
₹72,832 / Year
On campus, Room & Board
₹1,164,356 / Year
On Campus, Other Expenses
₹536,395 / Year
Off Campus
Off campus (not with family), Room & Board
₹1,164,356 / Year
Off campus (not with family), Other Expenses
₹536,395 / Year
Off campus (with family), Room & Board
₹519,191 / Year
Off campus (with family), Other Expenses
₹536,395 / Year

Bellarmine University Accreditations

Institutional accreditations
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Program wise accreditation
Medicine Programs
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
Nursing Programs
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Physiotherapy Programs
American Physical Therapy Association

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
706823294739-

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