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Bellarmine University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Bellarmine University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Bellarmine University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Bellarmine University reviews, or contribute your own Bellarmine University review if you're a current student there.

  • 3 out of 3 people found this review useful.

    Amber from Fort Knox, KY

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    All of the classes I took were interesting and interactive. I really felt like the teachers cared about our education and were experts in the knowledge of the classes they took. They were always available and ready to answer questions in the classroom or outside of it. What I learned through my courses has helped me to see the world a little differently than I did when I started at Bellarmine.

    Did enjoy being here

    The atmosphere is awesome at Bellarmine. Being a small community you really feel connected to your fellow students and BU faculty. Their diverse Study Abroad program has brought many international students to campus, and it is both interesting and fun to get to know them and learn about where they come from. There is always some type of activity happening on campus and I would encourage students to get out and get active in the community.

    Bang for the buck

    Bellarmine is expensive, but there are a lot of scholarship and financial aid options that help students. Attending BU was an honor and an experience I will never forget and definitely worth paying a little more than the state or public universities nearby.

    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the campus a few times, at least once during classes if you can. The beauty of the campus and the friendliness of the students speak for themselves. My first visit set a high standard for all of the other schools I looked at and in the end it really helped me confirm that BU was right for me.

  • 4 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Megan from Indianapolis, IN

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Arielle from Saint Louis, MO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am an Honors student at Bellarmine and even in the courses that are not specifically Honors, there is much to be learned. The professors are eager to help answer any questions you might have, especially because of the small student population! Sure, the gen. eds. can be a little bit tedious since they're not in your major per-say, but those are a standard collegiate institution so better to just forge through them.

    Am enjoying being here

    I have several close sets of friends here and I love being able to hang out with them. Bellarmine's population, though small, is made up of many different personalities. So while I have friends that I can sit around and chat or play games with, I also have friends that will be spontaneous and go out salsa dancing! Another bonus is that, honestly, the campus has a very friendly demeanor to it. Students walk around chatting, waving to each other, and playing frisbee in the quad. Bellarmine just doesn't have that oppressive serious and strictly scholastic feel that you can get at other universities.

    Bang for the buck

    It is not the least expensive college around, that's for sure, but luckily Bellarmine University offers a great deal of financial aid and several types of scholarships. To be honest, you will always wish you could be getting more money, but the good news is, by being at Bellarmine you will know that it could be so much worse and really the price isn't bad for what you are getting.

    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to look at the scholarships you might be eligible for and do not miss your opportunities to apply for them! Do your research.

    Do volunteer projects or community-related events, something that matters to you. Bellarmine has organized volunteer days throughout the year and requires every registered student organization(RSO) to do service twice a year so volunteering is very important here.

    Get involved! There are soooo many things to get into here from tons of clubs and theater to intramural sports and student government. Try out lots of things and see what you like. There's even a scholarship for getting involved at the end of each school year. Plan ahead!

    Great for these types of students

    Bellarmine University is great for students who want a small school population or who attended a small high school, a beautiful campus away from too much city bustle but not too far away to reach, and the ability to really get to know their teachers and their peers. Also, Bellarmine has excellent Nursing, PT, and Accounting programs so students in particular who are interested in those fields should apply here!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Anonymous Sophomore

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    bellarmine university is a tight-knit community with small class sizes and lots of campus involvement. the professors and faculty genuinely care about the needs of their students and are able to give great one-on-one attention. like many other universities, bellarmine is at times hampered by financial politics that seem unnecessary (requiring a meal plan and that students live on campus until their senior year).

    Tips for prospective students

    if you plan on skipping classes, this isn't the place to go; your class sizes will be small enough that one student missing a lecture will be noticeable. conversely, if you would like to get to know your professors and have a positive, personal relationship with them, definitely give bellarmine another look. the faculty is really concerned with helping their students reach full potential.

    Academic Rigor

    with the exception of several pushover, and largely worthless, classes that are required (think idc) bellarmine's academic rigor is quite challenging. students will regularly spend at least a few hours outside of class working on assignments or preparing for exams. some will give an estimation of time in class vs. time out of class studying, but these are generally overestimated; a more accurate figure would range between 30 minutes to an hour of outside studying per class per day.

    Dorm Life

    this is largely dependent on the dorm you are assigned to, and also your personality type. if you like quiet and solitude, you would be able to find these in quarto or terzo, but they cost a premium. if you like to have a good time, dorm life will be perfect for you, though cleanliness is an issue at times. all in all, it's much cheaper to live off-campus.

    Food and Dining

    if the meal plan wasn't mandatory for all students living on campus, then this rating would be higher. as it is, however, all of the food options on campus are exorbitantly overpriced and become somewhat monotonous after eating them day after day. i know that a more efficient system could be implemented that could benefit both the students and the administration, financially as well as enjoyably.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Jasmine from Clarksville, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Bellarmine University is a fun school and the professors are extremely nice and try to help those who seek help. Its a small school which makes it easier to get to know people because you see the same people multiple time and everyone recognizes each other.

    Tips for prospective students

    I think Bellarmine would be an excellent fit for those who don't want to venture to a large school and want to still be successful. One of the benefits to attending a smaller school is that your classes are never to big and it allows for you to get to know the professor on a more personal level.

    Academic Rigor

    Bellarmine is a very academic school all though some classes may be harder than others but by far it isn't a cake walk.

    Dorm Life

    Dorm life here is amazing. Everyone is friendly and the RA's do a wonderful job at planning activities that allows everyone to get to know new people and see who they are living with.

    Food and Dining

    There are so many options on and of campus locally for food. On campus the dining halls are great but if you want to go out with friends then sometimes you can stumble across a few places that deliver food to the dorms.

    Great for these types of students

    Outgoing, Introverted, Active, Artistic, basically any and everybody!!!!

    Greek Life

    This is a Greek school so there aren't many fraternities or sororities on campus.

    Campus Safety

    Our security does a great job at making sure the campus is safe and helping students in need.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Michael from Neverland

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Andrea from Louisville, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This University is small, so classes are small which makes it easier to learn and focus. Teachers are able to work one on one with you more if you are struggling on a topic in class.

    Am enjoying being here

    Because the school is small, its easy to make friends because most of the same people are in your classes. I am really close to people in my major; we form study groups and go to different events on campus together.

    Bang for the buck

    Tuition for this school is pretty expensive, but it is totally worth it because of how much the teachers care about their students and the ability the students have to have one on one time with the teachers.

    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely schedule a visit on campus. The campus itself is very beautiful. Be sure to apply early and apply for all the scholarships you can get, especially from Cappex. They will help your family be able to afford this tuition and make it possible for college to happen for you!

    Great for these types of students

    Students who really care about their education and have educational and professional goals set for themselves will succeed at Bellarmine.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Elizabeth from Elizabethtown, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Classes are hard at Bellarmine but that's the point.. my degree will be well respected.

    Am enjoying being here

    There's tons of fun stuff to do on the small campus! Games and tons of activities with free t-shirts.

    Bang for the buck

    It's expensive and I'm having to work tons, but it will be well worth it!

    Tips for prospective students

    Know what you're getting yourself into- It's hard but if you're willing to take notes in every class and do the work and challenge yourself, you'll reap the rewards.

    Great for these types of students

    For all types of students! We have communication majors, business majors, bilogy majors, (me) and so many more!

  • Abigail from Carmel, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Bellarmine's an amazing school that offers so much during your time on campus. I can't wait to see what Bellarmine does for me after I graduate--I've heard great things from graduates! I'm so glad I decided to come here!

    Tips for prospective students

    No matter where you go, take your time to stop and smell the roses--or in BU's case, the cherry blossoms! College goes by SO INCREDIBLY QUICKLY and once it's gone, you can never get those same opportunities again (as much as you may want to). Major in what YOU want--I'm majoring in theology and communications and I'm also minoring in criminal justice...and someone told me that the careers we will have haven't been created yet. You've probably been told this a million times, but get involved--it'll definitely be worth it! :D

    Academic Rigor

    Of course the level of rigor depends on if you actually put time into working for your classes (like if you never study, then it won't be tough for you, but your grades will reflect your lack of preparation). It also depends on the majors/minors, individual courses, and professors.

    Dorm Life

    I had heard that dorm life sucked. It doesn't suck as much as I'd heard. The only complaints I have would be that in my freshman dorm, Kennedy-Newman (affectionately called K-New), we didn't have our own showers--they were community. So that was a new experience. Also, sometimes it's tricky to study because your neighbors can be crazy-loud--at all hours of the day, might I add (I've been woken up at 4 in the morning). It happens! But the pros definitely outweigh the cons--you get to meet a ton of people through dorms, and your RAs and APAs will plan awesome activities for you--we had dance parties, water pong, Super Bowl parties, ice cream socials, etc. It's fun! :)

    Food and Dining

    I've been to some of my friends' colleges, and let me tell you--compared to other schools, Bellarmine rocks in the food department. There are tons of options and the food is amazing. Love it!

    What to do for fun

    There always seem to be things going on at BU on campus, but we're also lucky enough to be really close to Bardstown Road--a great street where restaurants, bars, shops, and like everything else are. Graeter's has great ice cream, and it's only like a ten minute walk! Also, basketball games are HUGE! Like I'm not even a huge bball fan, but I get so into it! GO. TO. BASKETBALL. GAMES. :D

    Bang for the buck

    Bellarmine's expensive. Not gonna lie to you. But it also prepares you for the real world (ex: I heard that BU's in the top fifty undergraduate business schools. SWEET!). Also, Bellarmine tries really hard to get you the money so that you can go there and get a great education!

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    BU has a lot of cool art on campus, and many of the sculptures have traditions. For example, the statue of Saint Angela Merici that's located in between Frazier Hall and The Black Box Theatre/Cralle Theatre has her hands open and so people will leave coins, cupcakes, candy, whatever--I've even seen sticks of butter!--in her hands for good luck. During finals week it's crazy!

    Great for these types of students

    -outgoing
    -involved
    -fun
    -students looking for a challenge

    Clubs and Activities

    I'm in two choirs (College Singers and chapel ensemble), Knights' Nation (the spirit club), and the Catholic Students Association. I'm also starting two clubs (a pro-life club and a women's religious life discernment club). BU has a TON of clubs and groups, so there's definitely something for everyone!

    Greek Life

    Greek life exists on campus, but it's totally not huge. I don't know a percentage of people who participate, but it can't be that big. The only way you know about them is if you or a friend is in one or if you see signs advertising them! I'm sure they're great though!

    Campus Safety

    BU is a super safe place. Security's there 24/7 (literally) and you can call them anytime you want. There are also little blue light emergency thingies all over campus so if an emergency pops up, you can hit the button or do whatever it says and you're all good!

  • Jessica from Louisville, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I rate Bellarmine College as an excellent school.
    I highly recommend this school to anyone.
    This school is very well maintained with excellent customer service and a wonderful environment

    Tips for prospective students

    Keep working very hard and never give up no matter what. Stay focused and true to your self and your dreams.

    Academic Rigor

    I recommend a student to stay on task and stay focused at all times. Try to use time management to your best of your ability to accomplish your goals.

    Dorm Life

    Dorm life is quiet an experience. It can be fun and stressful at the same time, but everyone needs to experience it at least once in their lives. I enjoyed my experience. I was able to get more study time in away from home and meet new friends

    Food and Dining

    The dining hall is great. There are many places to go eat, enjoy, do homework, and meet new friends.

    What to do for fun

    I read books and watch movies for fun.

    Bang for the buck

    I try to save as mucvh money as I can, but my family is very supportive when needed.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    We only have one location here in Louisville, and the school is like a private school with great experiences. I really don't have any unusual traditions to share on campus.

    Great for these types of students

    Political classes and language classes are good for the soul and all students to experience.

    Clubs and Activities

    Social clubs and various Beta clubs are good to join.

    Greek Life

    It is great to get the Greek experience, it is different and very cultural.

    Campus Safety

    Campus safety is very important and is highly affected.

  • B

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    The school's small class sizes allow for a lot of one on one time with the professors and the faculty is dedicated to making sure each student gets the most out of their experience. The school is perfect for students who want the big city experience without an overwhelmingly large university, but is not ideal for those looking for a lot of diversity. The organizations are always providing opportunities for students to get involved, and Bellarmine accels in the athletic department (2011 Division II National Men's Basketball Champs!)

    Tips for prospective students

    If you are looking for a smaller university where everyone knows everyone, this is the place for you. Don't be afraid to get involved. It is the best way to meet new people and get to know teachers who may assist you throughout your academic experience.

    Academic Rigor

    I think the difficulty depends on your major, but Bellarmine sets pretty high standards for all of its students. Most professors set high standards for their students, but are willing to work individually with anyone to help them better understand subjects.

    Dorm Life

    There are always activities going on in the dorms, put on by the Residence Hall Association. The dorms are dry, because it is a Catholic university, so no alcohol. But you can always find things to do and the dorms are generally very sociable, so if you just leave your door cracked open someone is bound to stop by and invite you out with them.

    Food and Dining

    There are 3 dining locations on campus, including a Pizza Hut, Heine Brothers, and Einstein Bagels. The main dining hall does not offer much variety, however, and on several occasions people have gotten sick from the food. The food is beginning to improve as of lately, because of a new food management crew. The dining hall are open from 7 am to 2am each weekday and 11am to 2am on the weekends, which is conventient for those late night munchies.

    What to do for fun

    Each floor of every dorm building is required to put on a community building activity each month, including food and fun activities. Also, the school has 3+ dances each year, including a Back to School Dance, Halloween Dance, and Homecoming dance, along with formals and other dances put on by organizations. The organizations also put on other activities for all students. There are dance lessons offered at certain times of the year. Intramural sports are always in season, and there's always sports games to attend.

    Bang for the buck

    The school is pretty costly, but since it is a private university, they offer a lot of financial aid. The more involved you are on campus, the more opportunities you have to recieve aid from the school. Also there are hundreds of opportunities to earn free prizes, food and gift cards to places all over the city. Plus many trips and things are paid for. For example, when our men's basketball team made it to the final four in Springfield, Massachusetts the school paid for 5 charter buses to take students out to the games for free. Hotel rooms were provided and everything.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Late Knight Breakfast - all of the professors get up at midnight the night before midterm and final exams to serve the students breakfast.
    Hillside Concert- at the end of spring semester each year Bellarmine puts on a free concert
    Irish fest- bellarmine hosts Irish Fest each year which hosts a multitude of vendors that share Irish culture

    Clubs and Activities

    over 70 clubs and organizations

    Greek Life

    Phi Mu
    Alpha Delta Gamma
    Kappa Delta Pi

    Campus Safety

    The campus is very safe. It is in a very good neighborhood and our security is always on alert.

  • Kelsey from Louisville, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    bellarmine is a great school because of all they offer to the students such as the private scholarships and the sudy abroad program. also, the staff always goes above and beyond to offer any help you might need. from day one, i felt very comfortable at the campus and knew i had made the right choice because i knew i would have help along the way.

    Tips for prospective students

    attend the new student orientation sessions. they are really very helpful and it helps you become very comfortable with the campus, and learn where all the different locations for the offices you might need are such as financial aid, the advisors, etc.

    Academic Rigor

    bellarmine is known for the level of education they provide. the classes are tough and i do spend alot more time studying than my friends do at other colleges, but in the end it will pay off. also, as touch as the classes are, the staff does go above and beyond to help or answer questions.

    Dorm Life

    i dont live on campus.

    Food and Dining

    bellarmine has many different options as far as food goes. there are snack type shops all over campus and a full service cafeteria. i dont live on campus but i am an athlete and spend alot of time on campus so i sometimes eat three meals a day there. there are alot of different options as far as types of food and they food is always good.

    What to do for fun

    on campus there are all sorts of clubs and organizations to get involved in. some are related to the degree programs offered but there are also division ii sports teams, intramural teams, fraternities, and bellarmine has had concerts of all sorts on campus. the local area is full of all kinds of fun things to do. within walking distance of the school there are tons of restaurants, shopping, and coffee shops. bellarmine is in louisville, so it's sort of like a smaller school in a big city so if you like the big city life, louisville always has something going on.

    Bang for the buck

    us news and world report has ranked bellarmine as #14 in regional universities in the south.

  • Elizabeth from Ivel, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    i am so happy that i decided to attend this college! the faculty and staff are amazing and always willing to help. it feels like you join a new family when you attend here.

    Tips for prospective students

    don't worry if you don't get something right away but do ask for help. the professors don't mind helping you or recommending you to a tutor. other than that just work hard.

    Academic Rigor

    while the material does come easy at time you still need to study for the tests. everyone works to push you to do your very best.

    Dorm Life

    i love the dorm i am currently in! the dorms are fantastic and they really help you to become close to other people. i've made so many friends hanging around the lobby.

    Food and Dining

    while the food is not the best in the world it is still edible and better than high school. it's better when you can eat in the university dining hall as opposed to the palio but both are still okay. just don't expect fantastic here.

  • Regina from Louisville, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    great scholarship opportunities for a private, cathloic school. education, pre-med, nursing, & physical therapy are the best programs. loved all of my professors.

    Tips for prospective students

    do an overnight stay with someone who lives in the dorms & you'll get an idea on if you like it or not. read ratemyprofessors.com reviews before you pick a class.

  • Abigail from Carmel, IN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    bellarmine offers great academics and athletics--we are the 2011 division ii national champions for men's basketball! if you want to find a faith life, you'll be able to find it, and same goes for parties. we have great programs, and our major programs are education, nursing, and business.

    Tips for prospective students

    bellarmine is picky about transfer credit (ap, ib, dual credit, etc) so if you're hoping to have credits transfer in, double-check with bellarmine first asap.

    Academic Rigor

    really it depends on your major. there are some bullshit majors and there are also really time-consuming majors. i suppose it's that way everywhere though.

    Dorm Life

    i really like dorm life. it definitely has it's pros and cons though--for example, the internet isn't all that great because everyone's trying to use it--typically for video games and netflix. but when it's good, it's good! another con is that sometimes you can't hear yourself think--but that definitely depends on who your neighbors are. but a pro is that you get to know the people on your floor really well, so friends are basically built-in.

    Food and Dining

    bellarmine's food isn't all that bad, as compared to what i've heard from friends who go to public schools. there are tons of options, and i like it for the most part. :)

    What to do for fun

    basketball games are huge! i also like to hang out in the lobbies with friends and workout at the surf (sport, recreation, and fitness center--the u is completely pointless).

    Bang for the buck

    it's really expensive, not gonna lie. some things could be improved, but i think they do pretty well.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    we have a knight on a horse--veritas--that has some symbols featured in it. it was designed by a former professor, bob lockhart, and people rub the fortune cookie on one of veritas' legs for good luck! there's also a statue of st. angela merici (the ursuline sister who merged the ursuline school with bellarmine to make bellarmine co-ed) and you'll find all kinds of things in her cupped hands--i've seen chocolate bars, water bottles, cupcakes, tennis balls, highlighters, and even slabs of butter--anything that students have on hand to get good luck!

    Great for these types of students

    i think bellarmine's great for everyone...everyone will find something they don't like, but there are more pros than cons!

    Clubs and Activities

    there are plenty of rsos (registered student organizations) on campus and you can start a club for just about anything--for example, we started a quidditch club this year!

    Greek Life

    greek life is basically nonexistent. we have a business fraternity, an education fraternity, and a sorority, but you never hear about them. the only way you even know we have them is because from time to time you'll see people walking around with their logos on.

    Campus Safety

    they do a pretty good job--you can access them at any time for just about anything. they're pretty relaxed, too, which is kinda nice! :)

  • Jewellea from Louisville, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
  • Patrick from Fort Knox, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Bellarmine University is challenging but still fair. It creates an atmosphere of knowledge wealth. It is a school that few attend but many come out successful.

    Tips for prospective students

    Try your hardest.
    Don't stress your first year or any year.
    Be proactive
    Get involved

    Dorm Life

    Family oriented. Everyone take the time to get to know you and your life.

    Food and Dining

    Decent enough food. High prices for some of it, but worth it because of the quality.

    What to do for fun

    Multiple student organized free on and off campus activities.

    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    All events in some way incorporate Knight into the title or theme. For example the Late Knight Breakfast which is a breakfast before finals at midnight that is served by the professors.

    Great for these types of students

    All types

  • Brooke from Prospect, KY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am in the nursing program at Bellarmine which is extremely difficult. I am learning more in one semester than I did my entire time in high school, and I remember most of the material! The courses are not only challenging, but the teachers really make an effort to help you understand and enjoy the material presented.

    Am enjoying being here

    I love being here!!! The location is fantastic (just outside of downtown Louisville, walking distance from Bardstown Rd, a youthful area). The people are extremely friendly and welcoming. I have met some of my best friends here and love coming back to school in the fall to see them.

    Bang for the buck

    Bellarmine is pricey, but they offer great financial aid. I pay less than I would to go to a public university based solely off their scholarship. Don't be scared of their tuition price.

    Tips for prospective students

    If you are not involved in college athletics, definitely check out intramurals! It's a great way to get involved, meet people and have fun. Try to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people. Every one is looking for friends at the beginning of the school year. Get to know as many people as possible so you can always have someone to hang out with when you aren't studying. Don't be scared.

    Great for these types of students

    Motivated, friendly, outgoing, chill people. Bellarmine has a laid-back student atmosphere.

  • Nicole from Kentucky

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The classes are challenging, but the professors are caring. As long as you show initiative, they will work with you to help you achieve your goals. The classes are small, so you don't have to worry about getting lost in the crowd.

    Am enjoying being here

    The Bellarmine community is wonderful. Its obvious how much everyone cares for each other. There is no lack of support on this campus--success is the goal. At Bellarmine, you'll find the tools you need to achieve it.

    Bang for the buck

    Its pretty costly, the food isn't so great, and the wireless could be better; but I can't imagine ever regretting my decision to make Bellarmine my home.

    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved, but don't neglect your studies. Studying for the big test is much more important than the movie being shown on campus.

    Great for these types of students

    Everyone. If you're ambitious, driven, and independent; you'll thrive here. If you do well with a strong support system, you'll find one.