Bluefield University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia State University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 959 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield University is located in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting); West Virginia State University is in Institute, WV (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield University 14:1; West Virginia State University 13:1.

Bluefield University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield University or WVSU? 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 Virginia State University than Bluefield University ($11,055 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 29.9% lower than at West Virginia State University ($9,480 vs. $13,522).
• Bluefield University is 179.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $17,200 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 78.6% higher at Bluefield University than at West Virginia State University (about $11,780 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield University than at West Virginia State University (94% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 126.2% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($20,341 vs. $8,993).

Bluefield University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresWest Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresWest Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield University - Test-free; WVSU - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Bluefield University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• WVSU has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.5% at Bluefield University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Bluefield University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield University and WVSU? 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.

• Bluefield University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than West Virginia State University's (25%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $13,000 more per year than WVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $32,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $2,416 lower median loan debt than WVSU graduates ($20,834 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVSU graduates ($215 vs. $240).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WVSU students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 35%)

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.