Ferrum College vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield State University is larger than Ferrum College based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 763 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ferrum College is located in Ferrum, VA (Distant Rural setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Ferrum College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ferrum College 11:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Ferrum College vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Ferrum 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 Ferrum College ($15,814 vs. $20,082).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 13% lower than at Ferrum College ($11,512 vs. $13,230).
• Ferrum College is 167.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $17,872 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.2% higher at Ferrum College than at Bluefield State University (about $10,144 more per year; $28,520.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Ferrum College than at Bluefield State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Ferrum College students is 251% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($34,444 vs. $9,814).

Ferrum College vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ferrum College (990) is 10 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ferrum College 880/1100; Bluefield 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: Ferrum College - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Ferrum College Sep 15, 2026; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Ferrum College (3.14).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Ferrum College (89%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.5% at Ferrum College vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Ferrum College vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Ferrum 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).

• Ferrum College's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Ferrum College earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($39,000 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Ferrum College graduates ($19,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Ferrum College graduates ($196 vs. $289).
• More Ferrum College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.