Bethany College vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield State University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethany College is located in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethany College 12:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Bethany College vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethany 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 Bethany College ($15,814 vs. $19,035).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 12.9% lower than at Bethany College ($11,512 vs. $13,210).
• Bethany College is 245.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $26,117 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.1% higher at Bethany College than at Bluefield State University (about $18,389 more per year; $36,765.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bethany College than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bethany College students is 222.5% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($31,646 vs. $9,814).

Bethany College vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethany 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 Bethany College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany College (990) is 10 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Bethany College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany College 870/1110; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethany College 18/26; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethany College - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bethany College vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Bethany College vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethany 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).

• Bethany College's six-year graduation rate (48%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $11,884 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($19,000 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $123 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($196 vs. $319).
• More Bethany College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (56% vs. 30%)

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.