University of Louisville

<h4 id="section---Cons"> Cons</h4> <ul><li>Total cost is $4,512 higher for in-state students and $4,945 higher for out-of-state students compared to the national average for a 4-year, public university (includes tuition, room, board and living expenses) </li><li>Graduation rate is 18 percentage points lower than the national average </li><li>High number of TAs teaching classes </li></ul><h3 id="section---ULAtAGlance"> UL at a Glance</h3> <p>Founded in 1798, UL is situated on 345 acres in Louisville, Kentucky. The university offers more than 170 undergraduate programs and oversees 12 different colleges and schools. UL also has study abroad opportunities, distance education, professional development programs and honors programs. Rauch Planetarium is housed on campus and holds multiple events throughout the year. </p> <p>The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that 22% of UL's students graduated with a bachelor's degree within four years, which was lower than the national average of 40%. Additionally, 51% of students graduated within six years, as reported by the NCES. Approximately 78% of full-time students return to the university for a second year of studies. At UL, you are more likely to have classes taught by teaching assistants, since roughly 40% of the UL faculty are TAs. </p> <p>While the total cost of attending UL is higher than the national averages for both in-state and out-of-state residents, <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report</i> stated that the average debt following graduation at UL is significantly lower than the national average of $26,660. The NCES reported that 97% of beginning undergraduates received some form of financial aid in 2011. The 2011 acceptance rate at the University of Louisville was 73% compared to the national average of 63.8%, so students may have better chances of getting into this school. </p> <h2 id="section---AdmissionsFinancialAidAtUL"> Admissions &amp; Financial Aid at UL</h2> <p>To apply to UL, you need to submit a complete application packet with official transcripts, ACT or SAT test scores and a counselor evaluation form by August 19. The priority admission application deadline is February 15. The NCES reported that approximately 82% of undergraduate applicants submitted ACT test scores to the university in 2011. The NCES further disclosed that the middle 50% of accepted applicants in 2011 earned a composite ACT test score between 21 and 28. Furthermore, certain programs require you to meet additional requirements. If you are applying to the School of Music, you need to pass an audition. The School of Nursing requires you to reapply to the school in order to begin upper-division coursework. </p> <p>The deadline for UL scholarship applications is January 15, and you need to complete a separate scholarship application, along with an admission application. The Cardinal Covenant is a financial aid program for Kentucky residents living at or below 150% of the poverty level. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Application and Tuition Info </th><th /></tr> <tr><td> <i>Regular Application Deadline (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> August 19***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Financial Aid Application Priority Deadline (2013-2014)</i> </td><td> February 15***</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Application Fee (2013)</i> </td><td> $50*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Acceptance Rate (2011)</i> </td><td> 73%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>All Tuition &amp; Living Expenses (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> $22,372 for KY residents; $35,856 for non-residents**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> $8,074****</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Percent of Students with Need Fully Met (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> 18%****</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Average Student Debt at Graduation (2012-2013)</i> </td><td> $19,886****</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Student Loan Default Rate (2009)</i> </td><td> 7.7%**</td></tr> </table><h2 id="section---LivingAtUL"> Living at UL</h2> <p>As an incoming freshman at UL, you will be required to live on campus. UL has three freshmen-only residence halls located on campus. After freshman year, you have the option of living in one of the university's on-campus apartment complexes, or you may choose to live off campus. Additionally, UL has various dining options, including residential dining, food courts and convenience stores. Nearly 17% of men and 11% of women are members of UL's Greek system, reported the <i>U.S. News &amp; World Report.</i> </p> <p>UL has over 300 student organizations, as well as recreation facilities and intramural sports. The Cardinals' varsity sports participate in the NCAA Division I athletic conference. <i>The Louisville Cardinal</i> is the name of the student-operated university newspaper. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th> Student Life Info </th><th /></tr> <tr><td> <i>Campus Setting</i> </td><td> Large city</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Student Population (2011)</i> </td><td> 15,596 undergraduates; 5,556 graduate students**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Male-to-Female Student Ratio (2011)</i> </td><td> 49% to 51%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of Full-Time Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 78%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of In-State Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 83%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of International Students (2011)</i> </td><td> 1%**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Retention Rate (2011)</i> </td><td> 78% for full-time and 45% for part-time students**</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Campus Housing Available</i> </td><td> Yes</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>% of Students Living on Campus</i> </td><td> 27%****</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Number of Libraries</i> </td><td> 6*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Extracurricular Activities</i> </td><td> Over 300*</td></tr> <tr><td> <i>Noteworthy</i> </td><td> Campus is home to 'The Thinker' by Auguste Rodin</td></tr> </table><p><i>Sources: *University of Louisville, **NCES College Navigator, ***The College Board, ****U.S. News &amp; World Report.</i> </p> <h3 id="section---SchoolContactInformation"> School Contact Information</h3> <ul><li><i>Address:</i> Office of Admissions, Dept AO, University of Louisville, 2211 South Brook Street, KY 40208 </li><li><i>Phone:</i> (502) 852-6531</li></ul>