Bluffton University vs. Parkside

Comparable Facts

Compare Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH with University of Wisconsin Parkside in Kenosha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Wisconsin Parkside is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (3,925 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bluffton University is located in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting); University of Wisconsin Parkside is in Kenosha, WI (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Parkside is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bluffton University 11:1; University of Wisconsin Parkside 20:1.

Bluffton University vs. Parkside Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bluffton University or Parkside? 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 University of Wisconsin Parkside than Bluffton University ($10,234 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin Parkside are 28.4% lower than at Bluffton University ($8,750 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 351.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Parkside (about $29,092 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $8,270.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.4% higher at Bluffton University than at University of Wisconsin Parkside (about $19,933 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $17,429.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluffton University than at University of Wisconsin Parkside (100% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 314.3% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Parkside students ($31,481 vs. $7,598).

Bluffton University vs. Parkside Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming Parkside 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.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bluffton University 16/22; University of Wisconsin Parkside 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bluffton University - Test optional; Parkside - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Parkside students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Parkside has a higher acceptance rate (75.4%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9% at Bluffton University vs. 26.1% at Parkside.

Bluffton University vs. Parkside Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bluffton University and Parkside? 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 University of Wisconsin Parkside's (28%).
• Graduates from University of Wisconsin Parkside earn a median of about $400 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,000 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wisconsin Parkside graduates have a $4,035 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($22,965 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Parkside graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Parkside students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 54%)

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.