Bluefield State University vs. WVU

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (23,643 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 University is in Morgantown, WV (Small City setting).
• Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield State University 13:1; West Virginia University 19:1.

Bluefield State University vs. WVU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University or WVU? 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 University than Bluefield State University ($15,169 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 21.1% lower than at West Virginia University ($11,512 vs. $14,582).
• Bluefield State University is 5.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WVU (about $544 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $10,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.7% higher at WVU than at Bluefield State University (about $10,232 more per year; $28,608.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at West Virginia University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by West Virginia University students is 26% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($12,363 vs. $9,814).

Bluefield State University vs. WVU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Virginia University (1120) is 140 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming WVU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 870/1080; West Virginia University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 17/22; West Virginia University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; WVU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WVU students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than WVU (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.8% at Bluefield State University vs. 24.8% at WVU.

Bluefield State University vs. WVU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield State University and WVU? 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 University's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from 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 WVU graduates ($19,000 vs. $24,001).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WVU graduates ($196 vs. $248).
• More WVU 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.