Bluffton University vs. Shawnee State University

Comparable Facts

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

Shawnee State University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (3,231 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); Shawnee State University is in Portsmouth, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shawnee State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; Shawnee State University 12:1.

Bluffton University vs. Shawnee State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University or Shawnee State 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 Shawnee State University than Bluffton University ($13,996 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluffton University are 2.3% lower than at Shawnee State University ($12,220 vs. $12,502).
• Bluffton University is 251.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Shawnee State University (about $26,736 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $10,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 115.2% higher at Bluffton University than at Shawnee State University (about $20,004 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $17,358.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at Shawnee State University (100% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 302.6% larger than aid received by Shawnee State University students ($31,481 vs. $7,820).

Bluffton University vs. Shawnee State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bluffton University or Shawnee State 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 Shawnee State University and Bluffton University.

• Shawnee State University 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; Shawnee State University - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Shawnee State University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.3) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).

Bluffton University vs. Shawnee State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University and Shawnee State 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Shawnee State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Shawnee State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $36,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Shawnee State University graduates have a $3,288 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($23,712 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Shawnee State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($245 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Shawnee State University students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 36%)

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.