Cleveland State vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Cleveland State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (14,074 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Cleveland State vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State ($15,814 vs. $16,230).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 23.8% lower than at Cleveland State University ($11,512 vs. $15,104).
• Cleveland State University is 22% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $2,340 more per year; $12,988.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.7% higher at Cleveland State than at Bluefield State University (about $134 more per year; $18,510.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Cleveland State University (97% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 0.2% larger than aid received by Cleveland State University students ($9,814 vs. $9,795).

Cleveland State vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cleveland State 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 Cleveland State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cleveland State University (1010) is 30 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Cleveland State 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: Cleveland State University 880/1130; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cleveland State University 18/25; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cleveland State - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Cleveland State Aug 15, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Cleveland State (3.31).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Cleveland State (91.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at Cleveland State vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Cleveland State vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cleveland State 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).

• Cleveland State University's six-year graduation rate (30%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Cleveland State University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than Cleveland State graduates ($19,000 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cleveland State graduates ($196 vs. $222).
• More Cleveland State graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (47% 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.