Bluefield State University vs. Salem University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield State University is larger than Salem University based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 1,083 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield State University is located in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting); Salem University is in Salem, WV (Distant Rural setting).
• Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem University is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield State University 13:1; Salem University 19:1.

Bluefield State University vs. Salem University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University or Salem 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 Salem University than Bluefield State University ($10,231 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Salem University are 27% lower than at Bluefield State University ($8,400 vs. $11,512).
• Salem University is 11.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $1,252 more per year; $11,900.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54.4% higher at Bluefield State University than at Salem University (about $6,476 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $11,900.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem University than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 14.5% larger than aid received by Salem University students ($9,814 vs. $8,569).

Bluefield State University vs. Salem University Admissions comparison

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

• Salem 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; Salem University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.

Bluefield State University vs. Salem University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield State University and Salem 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).

• Bluefield State University's six-year graduation rate (22%) is higher than Salem University's (14%).
• Graduates from Salem University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,600 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $7,618 lower median loan debt than Salem University graduates ($19,000 vs. $26,618).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $79 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Salem University graduates ($196 vs. $275).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 27%)

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.