JCSU vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Johnson C Smith University in Charlotte, NC with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Johnson C Smith University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,302 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Johnson C Smith University is located in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Johnson C Smith University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Johnson C Smith University 12:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

JCSU vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, JCSU 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 JCSU ($15,814 vs. $19,705).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Johnson C Smith University are 25.3% lower than at Bluefield State University ($8,600 vs. $11,512).
• Johnson C Smith University is 100% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $10,652 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.9% higher at JCSU than at Bluefield State University (about $2,924 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Johnson C Smith University (97% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Johnson C Smith University students is 55.3% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($15,238 vs. $9,814).

JCSU vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, JCSU 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 JCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 90 points higher than at JCSU (890).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 15 at JCSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 800/980; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Johnson C Smith University 13/18; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: JCSU - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.93 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at JCSU (2.48).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than JCSU (45.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.8% at JCSU vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

JCSU vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for JCSU 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).

• Johnson C Smith University's six-year graduation rate (37%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluefield State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than JCSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,800 vs. $30,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $13,050 lower median loan debt than JCSU graduates ($19,000 vs. $32,050).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $135 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JCSU graduates ($196 vs. $331).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former JCSU 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.