Bluefield University vs. Marshall University

Comparable Facts

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

Marshall University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (11,958 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield University is located in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting); Marshall University is in Huntington, WV (Small City setting).
• Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Marshall University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield University 14:1; Marshall University 16:1.

Bluefield University vs. Marshall University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield University or Marshall 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 Marshall University than Bluefield University ($8,076 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 28.7% lower than at Marshall University ($9,480 vs. $13,292).
• Bluefield University is 192.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Marshall University (about $17,608 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $9,162.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.6% higher at Bluefield University than at Marshall University (about $6,428 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $20,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marshall University than at Bluefield University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 51.3% larger than aid received by Marshall University students ($20,341 vs. $13,448).

Bluefield University vs. Marshall University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarshall University 910/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMarshall University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield University - Test-free; Marshall University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marshall University Aug 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marshall University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.68) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Marshall University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Bluefield University vs. 28.1% at Marshall University.

Bluefield University vs. Marshall University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield University and Marshall 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).

• Marshall University's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Marshall University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $40,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $2,300 lower median loan debt than Marshall University graduates ($20,834 vs. $23,134).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marshall University graduates ($215 vs. $239).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Marshall University students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 43%)

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.