Bluefield State University vs. WVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV 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 State University based on total student enrollment (3,246 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bluefield State University vs. WVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State 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 State University ($11,055 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 14.9% lower than at West Virginia State University ($11,512 vs. $13,522).
• Bluefield State University is 11.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVSU (about $1,078 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $9,570.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.6% higher at Bluefield State University than at West Virginia State University (about $3,386 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $14,990.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at West Virginia State University (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 9.1% larger than aid received by West Virginia State University students ($9,814 vs. $8,993).

Bluefield State University vs. WVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 80 points higher than at WVSU (900).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at WVSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 870/1080; West Virginia State University 760/1040.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 17/22; West Virginia State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; WVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at WVSU (3.24).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than WVSU (96%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.8% at Bluefield State University vs. 5.5% at WVSU.

Bluefield State University vs. WVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• West Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (25%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from West Virginia State University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,700 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $4,250 lower median loan debt than WVSU graduates ($19,000 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVSU graduates ($196 vs. $240).
• More WVSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (35% 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.