Analysis
Based on comparable finance programs in Kentucky, Bellarmine's estimated first-year earnings of $44,355 lag significantly behind the state's strongest options—University of Kentucky grads earn roughly $14,000 more, and even University of Louisville and Northern Kentucky produce substantially better outcomes. The national median for finance bachelor's degrees sits at $53,590, suggesting Kentucky's finance job market generally pays less, but Bellarmine appears positioned in the middle-to-lower tier even within this regional context.
The estimated debt load of $25,812 translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, which looks manageable on paper. However, this calculation assumes peer program outcomes hold true here, and with an admission rate of 94%, the school's selectivity profile differs markedly from the top performers in Kentucky. Finance degrees typically rely heavily on internship networks and employer recruiting relationships, factors that can vary substantially between institutions and aren't captured in statewide averages.
For families considering Bellarmine specifically, the lack of reported data makes this a higher-risk decision than choosing a program where actual graduate outcomes are known. If your student has admission options at UK, Louisville, or Northern Kentucky—all showing verified earnings well above the state median—those represent safer bets. Bellarmine may offer a smaller, more personalized environment, but you're essentially betting on an unknown outcome in a field where the school's competitive positioning matters considerably for early career prospects.
Where Bellarmine University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,180 | $44,355* | — | $25,812* | — | |
| $13,212 | $58,422* | $71,215 | $22,375* | 0.38 | |
| $12,828 | $52,167* | $63,447 | $22,500* | 0.43 | |
| $10,896 | $50,457* | $62,699 | $25,287* | 0.50 | |
| $11,436 | $44,355* | $56,321 | $19,500* | 0.44 | |
| $9,708 | $43,320* | $46,651 | $21,500* | 0.50 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bellarmine University, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 7 similar programs in KY. Actual outcomes may vary.