Bluefield State University vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

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

University of Charleston is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (3,062 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluefield State University is located in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield State University 13:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

Bluefield State University vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University or University of Charleston? 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 Bluefield State University than University of Charleston ($15,814 vs. $20,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 6.3% lower than at University of Charleston ($11,512 vs. $12,280).
• University of Charleston is 217.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $23,152 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 83.9% higher at University of Charleston than at Bluefield State University (about $15,424 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University as at University of Charleston (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 166.3% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($26,132 vs. $9,814).

Bluefield State University vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluefield State University or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston and Bluefield State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 90 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming University of Charleston students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 870/1080; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 17/22; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.8% at Bluefield State University vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

Bluefield State University vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield State University and University of Charleston? 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).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than University of Charleston graduates ($19,000 vs. $20,500).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Charleston graduates ($196 vs. $211).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.