Bluefield State University vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg

Comparable Facts

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

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (2,728 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 at Parkersburg is in Parkersburg, WV (Small Suburban setting).
• Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Virginia University at Parkersburg is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluefield State University 13:1; West Virginia University at Parkersburg 17:1.

Bluefield State University vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University or West Virginia University at Parkersburg? 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 at Parkersburg than Bluefield State University ($1,948 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 20.8% lower than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg ($11,512 vs. $14,544).
• Bluefield State University is 130.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than West Virginia University at Parkersburg (about $6,036 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $4,612.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.4% higher at Bluefield State University than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (about $9,252 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $9,124.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at West Virginia University at Parkersburg (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 31.3% larger than aid received by West Virginia University at Parkersburg students ($9,814 vs. $7,472).

Bluefield State University vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluefield State University or West Virginia University at Parkersburg? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Bluefield State University.

• West Virginia University at Parkersburg reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; West Virginia University at Parkersburg - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.

Bluefield State University vs. West Virginia University at Parkersburg Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluefield State University and West Virginia University at Parkersburg? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• West Virginia University at Parkersburg's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluefield State University earn a median of about $300 more per year than West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,800 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have a $6,969 lower median loan debt than Bluefield State University graduates ($12,031 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates have an estimated $72 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluefield State University graduates ($124 vs. $196).
• More West Virginia University at Parkersburg graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.