Bluefield State University vs. Wheeling University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield State University is larger than Wheeling University based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 774 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bluefield State University vs. Wheeling University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluefield State University or Wheeling 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 Bluefield State University than Wheeling University ($15,814 vs. $21,073).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 7.7% lower than at Wheeling University ($11,512 vs. $12,470).
• Wheeling University is 180.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $19,227 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 62.6% higher at Wheeling University than at Bluefield State University (about $11,499 more per year; $29,875.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wheeling University than at Bluefield State University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wheeling University students is 123.5% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($21,931 vs. $9,814).

Bluefield State University vs. Wheeling University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wheeling University (1070) is 90 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Wheeling University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 870/1080; Wheeling University 950/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluefield State University 17/22; Wheeling University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluefield State University - Test optional; Wheeling University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Wheeling University (3.33).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Wheeling University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 32.8% at Bluefield State University vs. 10.2% at Wheeling University.

Bluefield State University vs. Wheeling University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wheeling University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Wheeling University earn a median of about $16,300 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Wheeling University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wheeling University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Wheeling University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.