Bluefield University vs. Ferrum College

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (959 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield University is located in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting); Ferrum College is in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting).
• Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield University 14:1; Ferrum College 11:1.

Bluefield University vs. Ferrum College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield University or Ferrum College? 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 Ferrum College than Bluefield University ($20,082 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 28.3% lower than at Ferrum College ($9,480 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 6.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $1,750 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at Ferrum College than at Bluefield University (about $1,750 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at Bluefield University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 69.3% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($34,444 vs. $20,341).

Bluefield University vs. Ferrum College Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsFerrum College 880/1100.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield University - Test-free; Ferrum College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Ferrum College has a higher acceptance rate (89%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Bluefield University vs. 11.5% at Ferrum College.

Bluefield University vs. Ferrum College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield University and Ferrum 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).

• Bluefield University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Ferrum College's (31%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Ferrum College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $39,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $7,166 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($20,834 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($215 vs. $289).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Ferrum College students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 49%)

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.