New results from 农夫导航鈥檚 annual First Destination Survey show that 99% of the Class of 2025 was employed or continuing their education within six months of graduating.
The survey, conducted by Bellarmine鈥檚 Career Development Center, tracks outcomes for graduates in the months following commencement and provides insight into how effectively the university prepares students for careers and advanced study.
This outcome is 15% higher than the first destination average for all U.S. colleges and universities.
Among undergraduates, 66% are working or in graduate school, while 33% are pursuing an advanced degree. Among graduate degree recipients, 94% are employed and 6% are continuing their education. Overall, 97% of graduates who are working report they are employed full time in their field of interest.
鈥淭he success of our graduates demonstrates the power of an education that connects academic excellence with real-world experience,鈥� said Bellarmine's president, Dr. Susan M. Donovan. 鈥淭hrough high-quality classroom instruction, internships, clinical placements, research, and mentorship, our students gain the skills and confidence to thrive in the workforce or pursue an advanced degree. These outcomes show the lasting impact Bellarmine graduates are making in Louisville and beyond.鈥�
Donovan noted that she鈥檚 particularly proud that 42% of bachelor鈥檚 degree recipients who decided to pursue an advanced degree are doing so at Bellarmine.
The results reflect the strong connection between Bellarmine鈥檚 academic programs and workforce opportunities across the region and beyond. Top employers for the Class of 2025 include Norton Healthcare, Jefferson County Public Schools, Baptist Health, UofL Health, KORT Physical Therapy, and the Archdiocese of Louisville.
Many graduates also choose to build their careers close to home. The survey found that 71% of Bellarmine graduates remain in the Louisville metropolitan area after completing their degrees, contributing their skills and leadership to the regional workforce.
Employment sectors for the 2025 graduates:
- 39% in healthcare
- 28% in business services
- 21% in education and community impact
- 7% in Sports, leisure, and fine arts
- 5% in STEM fields 鈥� science, technology, engineering and math
Experiential learning continues to play a major role in student success. Eighty-eight percent of undergraduate students completed at least 90 hours of hands-on learning before graduating, including internships, clinical placements, research experiences, and student teaching.
鈥淎t Bellarmine, student success is built through a comprehensive approach that combines career exploration, hands-on experience, strong advising, and meaningful connections,鈥� said Jackie McNatt, director of the Career Development Center. 鈥淭hrough our IMPACT Network 鈥� which brings together career coaches, faculty, advisors, alumni, and peer mentors 鈥� students build the confidence, skills and relationships that position them for success after graduation.鈥�
Student-athletes also continue to demonstrate strong outcomes. For the fifth consecutive year, 100% of Bellarmine student-athletes reported working, continuing their education or participating in a year of service after graduation.
Bellarmine graduates earn strong early-career salaries. Three years after graduation, Bellarmine bachelor鈥檚 degree recipients report a median income of $54,000, the highest among Kentucky institutions based on available state data.
Each year, Bellarmine鈥檚 First Destination Survey collects outcomes data through direct graduate surveys and additional research conducted by the Career Development Center. The Class of 2025 survey achieved an 84% knowledge rate, providing a comprehensive view of post-graduation outcomes.