CSU vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Charleston Southern University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (3,832 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Charleston Southern University is located in Charleston, SC (Small City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Charleston Southern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Charleston Southern University 12:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

CSU vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CSU 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 CSU ($15,814 vs. $21,080).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 5.6% lower than at Charleston Southern University ($11,512 vs. $12,200).
• Charleston Southern University is 205.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $21,872 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 77% higher at CSU than at Bluefield State University (about $14,144 more per year; $32,520.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Charleston Southern University than at Bluefield State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Charleston Southern University students is 136.8% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($23,240 vs. $9,814).

CSU vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CSU 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 CSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Charleston Southern University (1050) is 70 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming CSU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 930/1160; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Charleston Southern University 18/24; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CSU - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at CSU (3.24).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than CSU (96.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.7% at CSU vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

CSU vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CSU 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).

• Charleston Southern University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Charleston Southern University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,800 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than CSU graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CSU graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More CSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (50% vs. 30%)

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.