Bellarmine debuts on The Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges list

Bellarmine University has earned its first-ever placement on The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2026 Best Colleges list, debuting at number 318 in the nation on their rankings.

About this ranking

Recognition

Debut at #318 on The Wall Street Journal's Best Colleges 2026

Kentucky context

Among three top Kentucky schools listed, alongside UK and Centre

Key points

Career outcomes

99% employed or in grad school within six months

Earnings

Graduates earn more on average than peers at any Kentucky institution

Lifetime ROI

$1.93 million

The recognition highlights Bellarmine's growing national reputation for delivering an accessible, affordable education with unrivaled career outcomes. It demonstrates the transformative power of an education rooted in Catholic tradition, the liberal arts, and strong preparation for careers of leadership and service.

Bellarmine joins the University of Kentucky and Centre College as the three top Kentucky institutions represented on the list. Bellarmine ranked in the top three statewide for overall score, salary impact, learning opportunities, facilities, and value added to salaries of graduates.

"Bellarmine has long been a consistent presence on lists of the nation's best universities, so our debut on The Wall Street Journal's list during our 75th anniversary year is a proud milestone," said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, Bellarmine's president. "This ranking affirms the strength of our mission and the hard work of our faculty and staff to deliver an exceptional, transformative student experience that ensures Knights get hired."

This ranking underscores outcomes that set Bellarmine apart. According to the university's most recent graduate outcomes report, 99% of Bellarmine graduates are employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, an outcome that is 16% higher than the average for all U.S. colleges and universities. Of those, 97% are already employed in their chosen career field. Graduates also out-earn peers from all other Kentucky institutions at multiple points across their careers, leading to a $1.93 million lifetime return on investment for a Bellarmine degree.

Bellarmine's recognition comes as the university celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking a legacy of educating students in mind, body, and spirit while preparing them for meaningful lives and rewarding careers. The honor also aligns with Bellarmine's Carnegie designation as an "Opportunity College,' with a focus on college access and higher graduate earnings - a distinction achieved by only 16% of U.S. institutions.

Bellarmine's steady presence across rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, Forbes, Money Magazine, Niche, Washington Monthly and now The Wall Street Journal reflects its commitment to excellence, affordability, and impact. See a full list of Bellarmine's rankings and accolades here.