University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky · Public · 79.4% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 58/100 · Below Average Value
University of Louisville
Below Average ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $13,136/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $29,482/yr |
| Average net price | $17,988/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $71,952 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,899 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $38,200 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 11.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 61.2% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 14,727 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,138 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,601 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,419 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,995 |
| $110,001+ | $25,186 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Louisville with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $78,902 | B+ |
| Psychology | $51,387 | D |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $53,496 | C |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $74,873 | B |
| Biology | $56,142 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $55,636 | C |
| Marketing | $68,074 | B |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,399 | C |
| Mechanical Engineering | $89,056 | B+ |
| Computer and Information Sciences | $68,351 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Louisville is $13,136/year ($29,482/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,988/year, or roughly $71,952 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $15,138/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $25,186/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $53,899 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.54 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 67.4% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.6% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 65.1% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 70.6% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 79.4% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 510-630 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 530-640 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 19-27 |
| Enrollment | 14,727 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 30.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,671 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Louisville (this school) | 58 | $17,988 | $53,899 |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology | 64 | $5,127 | $49,365 |
| Wayne State University | 61 | $12,766 | $53,493 |
| Montana State University | 52 | $22,499 | $53,263 |
| Eastern Kentucky University | 39 | $11,040 | $45,795 |
| Kentucky State University | 9 | $8,040 | $36,382 |
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Louisville is mixed. At $17,988 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $53,899 ten years after entry - a payback period of 11.2 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Median debt of $20,500 against $53,899 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.