FWBBC vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Welch College in Gallatin, TN with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bluefield University is larger than FWBBC based on total student enrollment (959 students vs. 389 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Welch College is located in Gallatin, TN (Large City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Welch College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Welch College 8:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

FWBBC vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, FWBBC 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 Welch College than Bluefield University ($21,157 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Welch College are 8.6% lower than at Bluefield University ($8,668 vs. $9,480).
• Bluefield University is 25.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than FWBBC (about $5,370 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $21,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.1% higher at Bluefield University than at Welch College (about $5,370 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $21,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Welch College than at Bluefield University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 31.6% larger than aid received by Welch College students ($20,341 vs. $15,462).

FWBBC vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, FWBBC 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 FWBBC.

• Welch College reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: FWBBC - Open admission; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman FWBBC students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.34) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).

FWBBC vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for FWBBC 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).

• Welch College's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $14,200 more per year than FWBBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $31,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $1,436 lower median loan debt than FWBBC graduates ($20,834 vs. $22,270).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than FWBBC graduates ($215 vs. $230).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former FWBBC students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 50%)

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.