DSC vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Dalton State College is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (5,135 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Dalton State College is located in Dalton, GA (Small City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Dalton State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Dalton State College 21:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

DSC vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DSC 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 Dalton State College than Bluefield State University ($5,625 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Dalton State College are 9.5% lower than at Bluefield State University ($10,419 vs. $11,512).
• Bluefield State University is 219.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than DSC (about $7,312 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $3,336.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72.4% higher at Bluefield State University than at Dalton State College (about $7,720 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $10,656.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Dalton State College (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 47.5% larger than aid received by Dalton State College students ($9,814 vs. $6,654).

DSC vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DSC 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 DSC.

• Dalton State College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DSC - Open admission; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DSC Jul 1, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at DSC (3.1).

DSC vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DSC 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).

• Bluefield State University's six-year graduation rate (22%) is higher than Dalton State College's (16%).
• Graduates from Dalton State College earn a median of about $700 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,500 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Dalton State College graduates have a $4,113 lower median loan debt than Bluefield State University graduates ($14,887 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, DSC graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluefield State University graduates ($153 vs. $196).
• More DSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.