University of Louisville combines accessible admission with consistent post-graduation outcomes across professional programs. As a Selective Achievers institution, the university delivers above-average earnings beyond expectations while maintaining moderate debt levels, supporting long-term financial stability for graduates.
Above-average long-term value relative to educational investment
Controlled net pricing and moderate debt levels
Above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students relative to peer institutions
Strong outcomes in converting educational access into economic advancement
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Full AnalysisOpen access with professional program strength
University of Louisville delivers solid earnings outcomes with controlled borrowing levels that support long-term financial stability. Graduates earn a median of $53,899 ten years after enrollment, with earnings spanning from $36,512 at the 25th percentile to $79,132 at the 75th percentile.
This 2.2:1 ratio reflects diverse career paths across the university's professional programs. The institution generates $158 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it above average at the 56.7th percentile nationally on this measure.
Students seeking strong value in professional programs like nursing, engineering, and business at an accessible public university. Well-suited for Kentucky residents prioritizing manageable debt levels while pursuing career-focused degrees with solid earnings potential.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the University Of Louisville hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-louisville/analysis.
University of Louisville ranks #286 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with access performance leading the way at the 76.8th percentile. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this large public research university maintains open admission standards with an 80.5% acceptance rate while serving a diverse student population.
The university enrolls 28.8% Pell-eligible students and 30.4% first-generation students, reflecting strong accessibility for students from varied economic backgrounds. University of Louisville achieves above-average earnings beyond expectations, with graduates earning $158 more than predicted based on student demographics and program mix, placing it at the 56.7th percentile nationally.
Median earnings reach $53,899 ten years after enrollment, ranking around the national average at the 53rd percentile. As a Selective Achievers institution, University of Louisville combines moderate access with solid post-graduation outcomes, delivering consistent value for students seeking professional preparation.
University of Louisville admits 80.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 4 in 5 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category for admission selectivity, making it significantly more accessible than many four-year institutions.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows University of Louisville's acceptance rate aligns closely with similar public research universities. This level of accessibility means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, though meeting basic requirements remains important.
The university's open access approach reflects its public mission to serve Kentucky residents and the broader region. Students should view University of Louisville as a realistic option while still taking application requirements seriously.
The university maintains academic standards through its curriculum and degree requirements rather than restricting admission. For students seeking a research university experience with reasonable admission expectations, University of Louisville provides a viable pathway to higher education.
The combination of accessibility and program diversity makes it an attractive option for students with varied academic backgrounds and career interests.
Chemical Engineering, Other.
42 graduates
Computer Engineering, General.
60 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
58 graduates
Mechanical Engineering.
128 graduates
Industrial Engineering.
51 graduates
University of Louisville offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for analysis. Computer Engineering ranks #69 nationally, producing 60 graduates with median earnings of $90,398 and a value score of 44.7.
Mechanical Engineering ranks #87 nationally and #1 in Kentucky, graduating 128 students with median earnings of $81,885. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing ranks #205 nationally but serves as the university's largest program by enrollment, graduating 269 students with median earnings of $63,288.
Agricultural Teacher Education ranks #22 nationally with strong value performance, graduating 176 students with median earnings of $51,705 and an excellent value score of 84.9. Digital Marketing ranks #81 nationally and #1 in Kentucky, graduating 179 students with median earnings of $60,649.
Exercise Science and Kinesiology also ranks #1 in Kentucky, reflecting the university's strength in health-related professional programs.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Louisville's published cost of attendance reaches $30,843 per year, including $29,174 in out-of-state tuition ($12,828 for Kentucky residents), $11,690 for room and board, and $1,274 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays just $17,634 after financial aid, representing $13,209 in aid savings that significantly reduce the sticker price.
This net price exceeds the peer median of $15,590 by $2,044, indicating somewhat higher costs than similar institutions. The university's financial aid system provides substantial support, covering nearly 43% of the published cost for the average student.
Net pricing varies significantly by family income, ranging from $13,768 for families earning under $30,000 to $25,116 for families earning over $110,000. This progressive pricing structure ensures that lower-income families face substantially reduced costs while higher-income families pay closer to the full price.
The $11,348 gap between the lowest and highest income tiers reflects targeted financial aid that makes University of Louisville accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds. For Kentucky residents, in-state tuition rates provide additional savings that enhance affordability.
University of Louisville graduates demonstrate steady earnings growth from early to mid-career periods. Median earnings rise from $46,571 six years after enrollment to $51,032 at eight years and $53,899 at ten years, representing 15.7% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 4,640 graduates, providing strong confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $158 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing University of Louisville at the 56.7th percentile for earnings uplift.
Low-income graduates earn $48,100, reflecting solid outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Earnings variation spans from $36,512 at the 25th percentile to $79,132 at the 75th percentile, demonstrating the range of career outcomes across different fields of study.
Approximately 26.5% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education. The university's earnings performance sits around the national average while maintaining manageable debt burdens for graduates.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ball State University Similar quality tier (#288 ranked) | IN | 72% | $51,833 | #288 | Compare |
Mississippi State University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#287 ranked) | MS | 76% | $51,513 | #287 | Compare |
Suny Buffalo State University Similar quality tier (#291 ranked) | NY | 76% | $52,334 | #291 | Compare |
Eastern Washington University Similar quality tier (#292 ranked) | WA | 92% | $57,897 | #292 | Compare |
Appalachian State University Similar quality tier in Southeast (#284 ranked) | NC | 89% | $51,836 | #284 | Compare |