Business/Commerce at Bellarmine University

Comparable business programs in Kentucky suggest Bellarmine graduates start around $41,000—roughly $6,000 below the national median for business degrees. By year four, earnings climb to $55,000, which is competitive but still trails outcomes from Sullivan University ($56,000 first year) and University of Kentucky ($49,000 first year). The estimated debt load of $26,000 matches both state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.63 that's manageable but not particularly advantageous.

The four-year earnings jump is significant, suggesting either career progression or that many graduates start in entry-level positions before moving up. However, starting $15,000 behind Sullivan graduates means playing catch-up for years. With a 94% admission rate and modest test scores, Bellarmine's business program appears accessible but not especially selective, which may explain why peer programs in Kentucky produce such varied outcomes.

For families comfortable with typical student debt, this program won't create a crisis—the debt is standard and the ratio reasonable. But recognize you're working with estimates from similar programs, not Bellarmine's actual graduate outcomes. If your student has admission options at UK or Sullivan, those schools' reported data shows stronger early earnings that could justify comparison shopping.