Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Lenoir Rhyne University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (2,256 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lenoir Rhyne University is located in Hickory, NC (Small City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lenoir Rhyne University 15:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lenoir-Rhyne 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 Lenoir-Rhyne University ($15,814 vs. $21,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 14.1% lower than at Lenoir Rhyne University ($11,512 vs. $13,400).
• Lenoir Rhyne University is 199.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $21,252 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 73.6% higher at Lenoir-Rhyne University than at Bluefield State University (about $13,524 more per year; $31,900.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lenoir Rhyne University than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lenoir Rhyne University students is 139.1% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($23,467 vs. $9,814).

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lenoir-Rhyne University - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lenoir-Rhyne University students have the same average high school GPA (3.41) as students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Lenoir-Rhyne University (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11% at Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Lenoir-Rhyne University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lenoir-Rhyne 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).

• Lenoir Rhyne University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Lenoir Rhyne University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,000 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Lenoir-Rhyne University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.