Bluefield State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield State University is larger than Potomac State College of West Virginia University based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 1,077 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield State University is located in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting); Potomac State College of West Virginia University is in Keyser, WV (Distant Town setting).
• Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Potomac State College of West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield State University 13:1; Potomac State College of West Virginia University 13:1.

Bluefield State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University than Bluefield State University ($9,541 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 8.5% lower than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University ($11,512 vs. $12,580).
• Bluefield State University is 101.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $5,368 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $5,280.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.2% higher at Bluefield State University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (about $5,176 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $13,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (97% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 42.4% larger than aid received by Potomac State College of West Virginia University students ($9,814 vs. $6,890).

Bluefield State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluefield State University or Potomac State College of West Virginia 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 Potomac State College of West Virginia University and Bluefield State University.

• Potomac State College of West Virginia University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; Potomac State College of West Virginia University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Potomac State College of West Virginia University (3.06).

Bluefield State University vs. Potomac State College of West Virginia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield State University and Potomac State College of West Virginia 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).

• Graduates from Potomac State College of West Virginia University earn a median of about $18,800 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,600 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $5,001 lower median loan debt than Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates ($19,000 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates ($196 vs. $248).
• More Potomac State College of West Virginia University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 30%)

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.