Central State University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Central State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (2,708 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central State University is located in Wilberforce, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Central 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: Central State University 16:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Central State University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central 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 Central State University than Bluefield State University ($11,398 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 4.3% lower than at Central State University ($11,512 vs. $12,026).
• Bluefield State University is 32.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central State University (about $2,590 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $8,058.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 82.7% higher at Bluefield State University than at Central State University (about $8,318 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $10,058.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central State University than at Bluefield State University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central State University students is 90.1% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($18,654 vs. $9,814).

Central State University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 120 points higher than at Central State University (860).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Central State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 770/950; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central State University 14/18; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central State University - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.61 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Central State University (2.8).
• Central State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.6%) than Bluefield State University (97.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.4% at Central State University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Central State University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central 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).

• Central State University's six-year graduation rate (24%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluefield State University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than Central State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,800 vs. $27,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $20,000 lower median loan debt than Central State University graduates ($19,000 vs. $39,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $207 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central State University graduates ($196 vs. $403).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Central State University students, three years after graduation. (30% 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.