Central State University vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central State University in Wilberforce, OH with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central State University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Central State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central State University 16:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Central State University vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central State University or Bluefield 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 Central State University than Bluefield University ($11,398 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 21.2% lower than at Central State University ($9,480 vs. $12,026).
• Bluefield University is 232.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $18,712 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 166.2% higher at Bluefield University than at Central State University (about $16,712 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Bluefield University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 9% larger than aid received by Central State University students ($20,341 vs. $18,654).

Central State University vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield University students have a 0.51 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Central State University vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Bluefield University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Central State University's (24%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $18,500 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $18,166 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($20,834 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $188 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($215 vs. $403).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 16%)

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.