Bluffton University vs. Kent State University at Salem

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH with Kent State University at Salem in Salem, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Kent State University at Salem is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (1,633 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Kent State University at Salem is in Salem, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kent State University at Salem is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Kent State University at Salem 26:1.

Bluffton University vs. Kent State University at Salem Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University or Kent State University at Salem? 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 Kent State University at Salem than Bluffton University ($13,301 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Kent State University at Salem are 3.4% lower than at Bluffton University ($11,810 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 398.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Kent State University at Salem (about $29,870 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $7,492.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 115.4% higher at Bluffton University than at Kent State University at Salem (about $20,020 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $17,342.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Kent State University at Salem (100% vs. 75%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 513.1% larger than aid received by Kent State University at Salem students ($31,481 vs. $5,135).

Bluffton University vs. Kent State University at Salem Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluffton University or Kent State University at Salem? 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 Kent State University at Salem and Bluffton University.

• Kent State University at Salem reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Kent State University at Salem - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Kent State University at Salem Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Kent State University at Salem students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).

Bluffton University vs. Kent State University at Salem Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University and Kent State University at Salem? 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 Kent State University at Salem's (19%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $300 more per year than Kent State University at Salem graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kent State University at Salem graduates have a $1,175 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($25,825 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Kent State University at Salem graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($267 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Kent State University at Salem students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 46%)

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.