Eastern vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Eastern vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern or Bluefield 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 Eastern Kentucky University than Bluefield University ($12,279 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 22.7% lower than at Eastern Kentucky University ($9,480 vs. $12,268).
• Bluefield University is 159.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern (about $16,450 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $10,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.1% higher at Bluefield University than at Eastern Kentucky University (about $5,540 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $21,230.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University than at Bluefield University (98% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 77.4% larger than aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students ($20,341 vs. $11,468).

Eastern vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern or Bluefield 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 University and Eastern.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Eastern students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.39) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Eastern has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Eastern vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern and Bluefield 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).

• Eastern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Eastern graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $37,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $2,861 lower median loan debt than Eastern graduates ($20,834 vs. $23,695).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern graduates ($215 vs. $245).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 49%)

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.