Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory, NC with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Lenoir Rhyne University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (2,256 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lenoir Rhyne University is located in Hickory, NC (Small City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir Rhyne University than Bluefield University ($21,546 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 29.3% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($9,480 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 19.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $5,130 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.2% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Bluefield University (about $5,130 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Bluefield University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 15.4% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($23,467 vs. $20,341).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lenoir-Rhyne University 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Lenoir-Rhyne University has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne University 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $42,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $6,166 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($20,834 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($215 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 51%)

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.