Bellarmine University is a private Catholic university located in Louisville, Kentucky, founded in 1950 as Bellarmine College by Archbishop John A. Floersh of the Archdiocese of Louisville. Named after the Jesuit theologian and cardinal Saint Robert Bellarmine, the institution was established with a pioneer class of 115 freshmen and a single building, Pasteur Hall. In 2000, the Board of Trustees changed the name to Bellarmine University to reflect its expanded academic mission.

Today, Bellarmine is organized into seven colleges and schools, offering more than 60 majors at the undergraduate level as well as master's and doctoral degrees. The university maintains a strong liberal arts foundation rooted in an inclusive Catholic tradition, emphasizing holistic development, ethical leadership, and service to improve the human condition. With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from personalized instruction and close mentoring relationships.

The university's 145-acre campus is situated in Louisville's historic Belknap neighborhood, near the vibrant Highlands area. Bellarmine is home to the internationally significant Thomas Merton Center, the official repository of Thomas Merton's literary and artistic estate. More than 35% of full-time students participate in an international experience through study abroad programs spanning over 50 countries.

Bellarmine University offers a comprehensive academic experience across seven colleges and schools, with more than 60 undergraduate majors and multiple graduate and doctoral programs. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and experiential learning across all disciplines.

As a private university, Bellarmine charges the same tuition rate for in-state and out-of-state students. The university is committed to affordability through its Public Price Promise and generous financial aid packages, with every incoming first-year student receiving a merit-based scholarship.

Bellarmine's 145-acre campus is set among gently rolling terrain in Louisville's historic Belknap neighborhood, through which Beargrass Creek flows. With over 40 buildings including modern academic halls, residence facilities, and athletic venues, the campus offers a complete living and learning environment just minutes from Louisville's vibrant Highlands district.

W. L. Lyons Brown Library

The campus centerpiece housing academic resources, instructional media, and the internationally renowned Thomas Merton Center.

Our Lady of the Woods Chapel

A serene campus chapel dedicated in 2001, featuring stunning stained glass windows by artist Guy Kemper that change color with the seasons.

Owsley B. Frazier Stadium

A multi-purpose stadium serving as home to Bellarmine's soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, and track and field teams.

Bellarmine fosters a vibrant campus community with over 100 clubs and organizations, a strong tradition of service, and a welcoming atmosphere rooted in its Catholic identity. Located near Louisville's Bardstown Road corridor, students enjoy easy access to local restaurants, shops, entertainment, and cultural experiences.

Bellarmine University has earned consistent recognition in national college rankings for its academic quality, student satisfaction, and alumni outcomes. The university is regularly featured in U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and other respected ranking publications.