Bluefield University vs. RU

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bluefield University vs. RU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield University or RU? 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 Radford University than Bluefield University ($16,749 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 24.2% lower than at Radford University ($9,480 vs. $12,504).
• Bluefield University is 113.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than RU (about $14,222 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $12,548.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Bluefield University than at Radford University (about $1,137 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $25,633.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield University as at Radford University (94% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 71.4% larger than aid received by Radford University students ($20,341 vs. $11,870).

Bluefield University vs. RU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRadford University 940/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsRadford University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield University - Test-free; RU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield University students have the same average high school GPA (3.31) as students at RU (3.31).
• RU has a higher acceptance rate (89.5%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Bluefield University vs. 14.4% at RU.

Bluefield University vs. RU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield University and RU? 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Bluefield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $2,166 lower median loan debt than RU graduates ($20,834 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RU graduates ($215 vs. $237).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.