Students at the University of Louisville achieve above-average earnings while maintaining excellent loan repayment records, reflecting the university's strength in professional programs that lead to stable careers.
The combination of solid financial outcomes and zero default rates makes Louisville a reliable choice for students seeking predictable returns on their educational investment.
Azimuth ranks the University of Louisville 60th out of 100 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 60th percentile for overall value. This large public research university in Kentucky delivers above-average earnings outcomes while maintaining moderate affordability across income levels. With nearly 29% of students receiving Pell Grants and about 30% being first-generation college students, Louisville provides meaningful access to higher education while helping graduates achieve solid financial returns.
The university's strength lies in its professional programs, particularly in health sciences and engineering, which drive strong long-term earnings for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, Louisville graduates earn a median of $53,899, reflecting the institution's focus on career-oriented fields that translate directly into stable employment. The university's position as a "Selective Achievers" institution means it delivers strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited than at some peer institutions.
As Kentucky's premier urban research university, Louisville combines the academic breadth of a major flagship with specialized strength in professional fields. The university's location in Louisville provides students with internship opportunities and job placement connections throughout the region, while its research mission ensures access to cutting-edge facilities and faculty expertise across multiple disciplines.
The University of Louisville's program portfolio emphasizes professional preparation and applied fields that lead directly to employment. Adult Health Nursing stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, combining substantial enrollment of 269 graduates with strong median earnings of $58,264, making it a key economic engine for the institution. This reflects Louisville's broader strength in health sciences, where programs consistently deliver both high enrollment and solid financial outcomes.
Engineering programs provide the highest individual earnings potential, with Chemical Engineering graduates earning $77,715 in median income, though with smaller cohorts of 42 students. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 239 graduates, offering moderate earnings of $31,196 that reflect the diverse career paths available in health, fitness, and sports-related fields.
The university's program mix reflects its mission as a comprehensive research institution with particular strength in professional fields. Health sciences, engineering, and applied programs dominate the highest-return offerings, while traditional liberal arts fields like English Language and Literature show more modest earnings outcomes. This pattern aligns with Louisville's focus on career-oriented education that provides clear pathways from classroom to employment in the regional economy.
Graduates of the University of Louisville achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $53,899 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university above average nationally, reflecting its strength in professional and technical programs that lead directly to stable, well-paying careers. The university also delivers modest earnings beyond expectations, meaning graduates typically earn slightly more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's health sciences and engineering programs. Adult Health Nursing, the institution's highest aggregate-return major, graduates 269 students annually with median earnings of $58,264, combining substantial enrollment with strong pay. Chemical Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $77,715, though with smaller cohorts of 42 graduates. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the largest program by enrollment with 239 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $31,196, reflecting the diverse career paths in this field.
Louisville's program mix emphasizes professional preparation, with substantial strength in health sciences, engineering, and business fields that provide clear pathways to employment. The university's focus on applied programs helps explain why graduates see consistent earnings growth and why the institution performs above expectations for long-term financial outcomes.
The University of Louisville maintains reasonable affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families from diverse economic backgrounds. Low-income students pay about $13,768 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $16,510 per year. Even high-income families face manageable expenses at $25,116 annually, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education costs predictable and transparent.
Debt levels remain moderate for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $20,500 and Parent PLUS borrowing averaging $16,966. These amounts are reasonable given Louisville's median graduate earnings of nearly $54,000, allowing most borrowers to manage repayment comfortably under standard terms. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully navigate their debt obligations, supported by the strong employment outcomes that characterize Louisville's professional programs.
What makes Louisville particularly sustainable financially is the balance between upfront costs and long-term earning potential. The university provides solid value by keeping net prices moderate while delivering above-average earnings outcomes, ensuring that the investment in education pays off over time without creating excessive financial burden during the college years.
University Of Louisville Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
