Henderson State University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Henderson State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (2,055 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Henderson State University is located in Arkadelphia, AR (Distant Town setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Henderson State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Henderson State University 14:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Henderson State University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Henderson State University 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 Henderson State University ($15,814 vs. $20,444).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Henderson State University are 13.1% lower than at Bluefield State University ($10,000 vs. $11,512).
• Bluefield State University is 29.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Henderson State University (about $2,404 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $8,244.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73% higher at Bluefield State University than at Henderson State University (about $7,756 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $10,620.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Henderson State University than at Bluefield State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 24.7% larger than aid received by Henderson State University students ($9,814 vs. $7,867).

Henderson State University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Henderson State University 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 Henderson State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Henderson State University (990) is 10 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Henderson State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Henderson State University 903/1073; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Henderson State University 16/21; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Henderson State University - Not reported; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Henderson State University Jul 15, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Henderson State University (3.23).

Henderson State University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Henderson State University 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).

• Henderson State University's six-year graduation rate (31%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Henderson State University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Henderson State University graduates ($19,000 vs. $19,500).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Henderson State University graduates ($196 vs. $201).
• More Henderson State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (48% 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.