Why is in-state and out-of-state tuition the same?
Bellarmine is a private university, so it typically charges one published tuition rate for everyone (unlike public universities that offer lower in-state tuition funded by state taxes).

What costs are included in “direct/billed” costs?
Direct costs are what you usually pay to Bellarmine directly: tuition, housing, and meals. Your total “cost of attendance” can be higher once you add indirect expenses like books, travel, and personal spending.

If tuition is the same for everyone, how do out-of-state students lower the price?
At private universities, the biggest lever is usually institutional scholarships (automatic awards with admission and competitive scholarships). Bellarmine also lists a State Flagship Match Program that can reduce costs for qualifying students.

How accurate is the $24,000 average net price?
It’s a verified federal average across students. Some families pay far less with need-based aid or strong scholarships, while families who don’t qualify for aid may pay more. Always compare your student’s actual offer letters — not sticker price.

Does Bellarmine participate in WUE, MSEP, or Academic Common Market?
No. Those are public-university regional tuition exchanges. Bellarmine’s pricing is not based on residency, so the better approach is to focus on scholarships and any tuition-matching programs listed by the university.

Do I need to apply separately for automatic scholarships?
No. Bellarmine’s automatic merit awards are typically granted with admission. There is no separate scholarship application for Scarlet Scholarships, Governor Scholars awards, legacy awards, or transfer grants.

Is Early Action important for merit aid?
Yes. While Bellarmine awards scholarships on a rolling basis, applying by the Early Action / priority deadline (November 1) gives students the strongest chance at higher merit amounts.

Are test scores required to earn automatic merit?
No. Bellarmine is test-optional. Students who submit strong ACT or SAT scores may strengthen their overall file, but many recipients earn automatic merit without submitting scores.

Can automatic scholarships stack with other Bellarmine awards?
Often, yes. Automatic merit may stack with competitive, honors, or need-based aid, though some high-dollar awards may replace part of the merit package. Always review the final financial aid offer carefully.

Are these scholarships automatic?
No. All flagship awards at Bellarmine are competitive and involve additional steps beyond admission, such as Honors applications, interviews, or program-based selection.

Is Early Action important?
Yes. Students who apply by November 1 are more likely to be considered for Honors admission, scholarship weekends, and the highest-value awards.

Can a student win more than one flagship award?
Typically no. These awards are designed to be mutually exclusive, and higher-value scholarships may replace lower institutional aid rather than stack.

Which award has the biggest impact?
The Bellarmine Scholar Award (full ride) and Bellarmine Fellow Award (full tuition) have the largest financial impact for most families.

Do these scholarships stack with automatic merit?
Often, yes. Many hidden-gem awards are designed to sit on top of admission-based merit, though larger departmental awards may adjust the overall package.

Which hidden gems are easiest to miss?
Campus-visit awards, endowed scholarships, and departmental talent awards are commonly missed because they require extra steps beyond the admission application.

When should students start paying attention to these?
Right after applying. Campus visits, auditions, and portfolio submissions often have earlier deadlines than families expect.

Is the Honors Program worth it if a student doesn’t win a full scholarship?
Often yes. Many students value Honors for smaller classes, priority registration, and faculty access — even without a full-ride award.

How competitive is Honors admission?
It’s selective. Successful applicants typically have strong grades, solid test scores (if submitted), and clear academic motivation demonstrated through essays and interviews.

Does Honors admission guarantee an Honors scholarship?
No. Honors admission and Honors scholarships are related but separate decisions. Many Honors students do not receive the Scholar or Fellow awards.

Can Honors students stack other scholarships?
Sometimes. Smaller departmental or hidden-gem awards may stack, but large Honors scholarships typically replace other institutional aid.

Is Bellarmine best for pre-med or nursing?
Nursing and health sciences are the clearest strengths, especially for students seeking structured clinical pathways. Pre-med students also attend, but outcomes depend heavily on GPA and advising.

Are Bellarmine graduates competitive for jobs?
Yes, particularly in healthcare, education, and regional business roles. Bellarmine’s internships and local employer connections matter more than name recognition.

Does Honors matter for academic strength?
For motivated students, the Honors Program can add academic rigor and mentoring, but it’s not required to succeed in Bellarmine’s core programs.