Columbia College vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Columbia College vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Columbia College 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 Columbia College ($15,814 vs. $18,790).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 18.4% lower than at Bluefield State University ($9,390 vs. $11,512).
• Columbia College is 108.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $11,566 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.9% higher at Columbia College than at Bluefield State University (about $3,838 more per year; $22,214.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Columbia College as at Bluefield State University (97% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia College students is 67.6% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($16,451 vs. $9,814).

Columbia College vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Columbia College 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 Columbia College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Columbia College (1000) is 20 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 850/1140; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Columbia College 14/18; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Columbia College - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Columbia College (93.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.5% at Columbia College vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Columbia College vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Columbia College 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).

• Columbia College's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,700 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $6,264 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $65 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($196 vs. $261).
• More Columbia College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (43% 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.