Bluffton University vs. Erskine College

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH with Erskine College in Due West, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Erskine College is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (912 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Erskine College is in Due West, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Erskine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Erskine College 15:1.

Bluffton University vs. Erskine College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University or Erskine College? 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 Bluffton University than Erskine College ($20,429 vs. $23,882).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 7.8% lower than at Erskine College ($12,220 vs. $13,250).
• Bluffton University is 1.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Erskine College (about $652 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.8% higher at Bluffton University than at Erskine College (about $652 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University as at Erskine College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 1% larger than aid received by Erskine College students ($31,481 vs. $31,174).

Bluffton University vs. Erskine College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluffton University or Erskine College? 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 Erskine College and Bluffton University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Erskine College (1040) is 40 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Erskine College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 860/1130; Erskine College 920/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 16/22; Erskine College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Erskine College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Bluffton University students have the same average high school GPA (3.26) as students at Erskine College (3.26).
• Bluffton University has a higher acceptance rate (67.2%) than Erskine College (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 22.2% at Erskine College.

Bluffton University vs. Erskine College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University and Erskine College? 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Erskine College's (55%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Erskine College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Erskine College graduates have a $250 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($26,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Erskine College graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($276 vs. $279).
• More Erskine College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluffton University students, three years after graduation. (69% vs. 67%)

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.