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.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $30,843 |
| Tuition and Fees | $29,174 |
| Room and Board | $11,690 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,274 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$13,209 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,634 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,768 |
| $30–48k | $14,494 |
| $48–75k | $16,510 |
| $75–110k | $22,938 |
| $110k+ | $25,116 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Louisville graduates carry a median debt load of $20,500, with debt levels ranging from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,500 at the 75th percentile. This median debt level sits slightly above the peer median of $20,000 by $500, indicating comparable borrowing patterns to similar institutions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 suggests manageable repayment relative to post-graduation income levels. Parent PLUS borrowers carry a median debt of $16,966 with monthly payments of $223, though this represents additional family borrowing beyond student loans.
The debt distribution shows most students borrow moderately, with the 25th to 75th percentile span indicating controlled borrowing across the student population. University of Louisville's debt levels align with national patterns for public research universities while remaining manageable given typical graduate earnings.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Louisville generates solid long-term value through consistent earnings outcomes and controlled debt levels. Graduates earn $158 beyond expectations relative to similar students, placing the university at the 56.7th percentile nationally on this measure.
The median debt of $20,500 remains $500 above the peer median but stays within manageable ranges given $53,899 in median earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 indicates sustainable repayment burdens that support graduates' long-term financial health.
University of Louisville's earnings performance around the national average, combined with accessible admission and moderate debt levels, creates favorable conditions for educational return on investment. The university's access mission delivers particular value for first-generation and Pell-eligible students who comprise substantial portions of enrollment.
University of Louisville's financial aid system generates $13,209 in average savings per student, reducing the $30,843 sticker price to a $17,634 net cost. The 28.8% Pell share indicates substantial enrollment of students from families earning under $50,000 annually, well above typical rates for public research universities.
Financial aid targeting concentrates benefits toward lower-income students, with families earning under $30,000 receiving aid that reduces their costs to $13,768. The gap between published and net prices suggests comprehensive aid packaging that combines federal, state, and institutional resources.
Aid effectiveness varies by income level, with the greatest benefits flowing to students from lower-income backgrounds. The university's aid profile supports its access mission while requiring higher-income families to pay closer to full costs.
