Benedict College vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedict College in Columbia, SC with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedict College is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedict College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedict College 13:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Benedict College vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College or Bluefield State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bluefield State University than Benedict College ($15,814 vs. $18,665).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 37.9% lower than at Bluefield State University ($7,146 vs. $11,512).
• Benedict College is 63.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $6,792 more per year; $17,440.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.4% higher at Bluefield State University than at Benedict College (about $936 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Benedict College (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Benedict College students is 35.9% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($13,335 vs. $9,814).

Benedict College vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College or Bluefield State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bluefield State University and Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 60 points higher than at Benedict College (920).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Benedict College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Benedict College (95.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Benedict College vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College and Bluefield State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Benedict College's six-year graduation rate (26%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluefield State University earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,800 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $23,898 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($19,000 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $247 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($196 vs. $443).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 13%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.