Bowie State University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bowie State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Bowie State University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowie State University or Bluefield 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 Bluefield State University than Bowie State University ($15,814 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 6% lower than at Bowie State University ($11,512 vs. $12,241).
• Bluefield State University is 15.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $1,430 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Bowie State University than at Bluefield State University (about $1,562 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Bowie State University (97% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 43.9% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($9,814 vs. $6,819).

Bowie State University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 40 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowie State University 796/1083; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowie State University - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at Bowie State University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Bowie State University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $18,700 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $5,391 lower median loan debt than Bowie State University graduates ($19,000 vs. $24,391).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $56 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bowie State University graduates ($196 vs. $252).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 29%)

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.