Brescia University
Brescia University is a private nonprofit university in Owensboro, KY ranked #706 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, enrolling about 545 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 35.2%. Students most often pursue Social Work and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, 67.4% first-year retention, and 53.7% six-year graduation. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
Families typically invest $8,709, about $8,289 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at 14.5%, roughly 70.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $39,897. That's about $3,791 below national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Brescia University has an acceptance rate of 35.2%, annual tuition of $31,550, average net price of $8,709, and a national rank of #706 (Grade B), with a 53.7% six-year graduation rate, about 545 undergraduates, and median earnings of $39,897 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Brescia University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Brescia University graduates 53.7% of students within six years and keeps 67.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns an A- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Brescia University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $31,550 |
| Books and Supplies | $3,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,200 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $44,328 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 42.6% of Brescia University students receive Pell Grants — above the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $8,977 to $5,548 depending on family income. Use Brescia University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $8,910/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $5,548/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $39,897
- 10-Year Median Earnings $39,897
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $20,185
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 49.1%
- Employment Rate 88.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Brescia University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Brescia University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Brescia University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Brescia University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Brescia University graduates earn $39,897 median, the 14.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 545
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 67.4%
- Graduation Rate 53.7%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Brescia University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Brescia University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 35.2%, Brescia University is moderately selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: Brescia University accepts 35.2% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Brescia University undergraduates. Social Work, Business/Commerce, General, and Psychology, General draw the most students.
- Social Work 40.3%
- Business/Commerce, General 13.6%
- Psychology, General 12.3%
- Accounting and Related Services 5.8%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 3.9%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 3.2%
See more majors
- Biology, General 3.2%
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services 3.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Social Work $51,049
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $42,269
- 3. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $36,827
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Psychology, General $22,619
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Social Work (Master's Degree) $46,895
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Social Work grads earn $51,049—126% more than Psychology, General ($22,619). Graduate: Social Work programs lead with $46,895 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Brescia University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degree, 6 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 5 graduates)
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Bachelor's Degree, 5 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 4 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 3 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (19 programs)â–¼
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Design and Applied Arts
- Political Science and Government
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Chemistry
- Special Education and Teaching
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Applied Mathematics
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Social Sciences, General
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions
- Agricultural Business and Management
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 545
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 44.6%
- Female Students 55.4%
- Caucasian 57.6%
- Asian 2.6%
- Hispanic 6.2%
- Black 12.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients 42.6%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Brescia University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Brescia University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Brescia University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Brescia University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Brescia University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Brescia University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Brescia University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 14.5% ROI. Ranked #706 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $8,709 annual net price is competitive with public out-of-state tuition, offset somewhat by $39,897 median earnings. With 53.7% graduating within six years and 67.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Brescia University's Positioning
With a B grade and #706 ranking, Brescia University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $8,709 annually, Brescia University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 67.4% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $6,096 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 14.5% ROI and $39,897 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $-1,291+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Brescia University ranks #706 of 6101 institutions, with 126 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 53.7% six-year graduation rate sits 8.8 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 67.4% first-year retention is 9.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 14.5% return on investment is 70.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $39,897 run about 9% lower than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $8,709 is roughly $8,688 lower than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 67.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 88.1% employment rate within three years sits 19.9 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Brescia University, a private nonprofit university in Owensboro, KY, secures a B grade in our latest review. It appears at #706 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns B-, Support B-, Career Outcomes B-, and Affordability A-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
Student momentum is strong: 67.4% retention and 53.7% six-year graduation. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 14.5%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $8,709 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $44,328.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $35,619 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $20,185 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 42.6% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $39,897 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 9% lower.
Employment outcomes report about 88.1% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about 14.5% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
35.2% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Brescia University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brescia University's acceptance rate?
Brescia University's acceptance rate is 35.2%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Brescia University cost?
At Brescia University, listed tuition and fees are $31,550 per year, and the average net price after aid is $8,709. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Brescia University's ranking?
Brescia University ranks #706 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Brescia University's graduation rate?
At Brescia University, the six-year graduation rate is 53.7%, and first-year retention is 67.4%.
What are Brescia University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Brescia University report median earnings of $39,897 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Brescia University's student population?
Brescia University enrolls about 545 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Owensboro, KY 42301-3023
- Website www.brescia.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCC)
- Endowment$15.2M