Bluefield University vs. West Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

West Liberty University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (2,299 students vs. 959 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield University is located in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting); West Liberty University is in West Liberty, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Liberty University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield University 14:1; West Liberty University 12:1.

Bluefield University vs. West Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield University or West Liberty 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 West Liberty University than Bluefield University ($13,655 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 25.5% lower than at West Liberty University ($9,480 vs. $12,728).
• Bluefield University is 201% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Liberty University (about $17,877 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $8,893.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at Bluefield University than at West Liberty University (about $9,328 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $17,442.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield University than at West Liberty University (94% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 180.6% larger than aid received by West Liberty University students ($20,341 vs. $7,248).

Bluefield University vs. West Liberty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluefield University or West Liberty University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between West Liberty University and Bluefield University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresWest Liberty University 890/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresWest Liberty University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield University - Test-free; West Liberty University - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman West Liberty University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• West Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Bluefield University vs. 31.5% at West Liberty University.

Bluefield University vs. West Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield University and West Liberty University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• West Liberty University's six-year graduation rate (46%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than West Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $3,783 lower median loan debt than West Liberty University graduates ($20,834 vs. $24,617).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than West Liberty University graduates ($215 vs. $254).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former West Liberty University 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.