Bluefield University vs. Centra College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA with Centra College in Lynchburg, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bluefield University is larger than Centra College based on total student enrollment (959 students vs. 219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield University is located in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting); Centra College is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Centra College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield University 14:1; Centra College 3:1.

Bluefield University vs. Centra College Cost Comparison

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

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 23.7% lower than at Centra College ($9,480 vs. $12,424).
• Bluefield University is 106.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Centra College (about $13,787 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 106.2% higher at Bluefield University than at Centra College (about $13,787 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $12,983.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield University than at Centra College (94% vs. 0%).

Bluefield University vs. Centra College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluefield University or Centra College? 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 Centra College and Bluefield University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield University - Test-free; Centra College - Test-free.
• Centra College has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Bluefield University vs. 0% at Centra College.

Bluefield University vs. Centra College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield University and Centra College? 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).

• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Centra College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Centra College graduates have a $8,792 lower median loan debt than Bluefield University graduates ($12,042 vs. $20,834).
• Among borrowers, Centra College graduates have an estimated $91 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluefield University graduates ($124 vs. $215).
• More Centra College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 51%)

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.