Gordon vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Gordon State College is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (3,179 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Gordon State College is located in Barnesville, GA (Distant Town setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Gordon 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: Gordon State College 20:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Gordon vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Gordon 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 Gordon State College than Bluefield State University ($7,807 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Gordon State College are 9.3% lower than at Bluefield State University ($10,444 vs. $11,512).
• Bluefield State University is 193.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Gordon (about $7,020 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $3,628.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.8% higher at Bluefield State University than at Gordon State College (about $7,428 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $10,948.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Gordon State College (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 51.9% larger than aid received by Gordon State College students ($9,814 vs. $6,462).

Gordon vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Gordon 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 Gordon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Gordon State College (1010) is 30 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Gordon students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 19) as students at Bluefield State University (19).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gordon State College 890/1130; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Gordon State College 15/24; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Gordon - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Gordon (85.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 36.1% at Gordon vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Gordon vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Gordon 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).

• Graduates from Gordon State College earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,100 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Gordon State College graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Bluefield State University graduates ($17,500 vs. $19,000).
• Among borrowers, Gordon graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluefield State University graduates ($180 vs. $196).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Gordon students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 26%)

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.