Cottey College vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

Compare Cottey College in Nevada, MO with Bluffton University in Bluffton, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bluffton University is larger than Cottey College based on total student enrollment (646 students vs. 254 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Cottey College is located in Nevada, MO (Remote Town setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Cottey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Cottey College 6:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Cottey College vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Cottey College or Bluffton 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 Cottey College than Bluffton University ($14,704 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cottey College are 8% lower than at Bluffton University ($11,240 vs. $12,220).
• Bluffton University is 35.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cottey College (about $9,800 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $27,562.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.6% higher at Bluffton University than at Cottey College (about $9,800 more per year; $37,362.00 vs. $27,562.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Cottey College as at Bluffton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluffton University students is 28.2% larger than aid received by Cottey College students ($31,481 vs. $24,565).

Cottey College vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Cottey College or Bluffton 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 Bluffton University and Cottey College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cottey College (1080) is 80 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Cottey College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cottey College 1030/1120; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Cottey College 18/25; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Cottey College - Test-free; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Cottey College students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Cottey College has a higher acceptance rate (69.2%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.6% at Cottey College vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Cottey College vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Cottey College and Bluffton 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).

• Graduates from Bluffton University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Cottey College graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,600 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cottey College graduates have a $15,000 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($12,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cottey College graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($124 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Cottey College students, three years after graduation. (67% vs. 61%)

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.