Loras College vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Loras College in Dubuque, IA with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Loras College is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (1,189 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loras College is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Loras College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loras College 12:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Loras College vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loras College 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 Loras College than Bluefield University ($21,631 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 13.8% lower than at Loras College ($9,480 vs. $11,000).
• Loras College is 48.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $13,054 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.8% higher at Loras College than at Bluefield University (about $13,054 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Loras College than at Bluefield University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Loras College students is 41.8% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($28,835 vs. $20,341).

Loras College vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loras College 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 Loras College.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loras College - Test-free; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Loras College students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Loras College has a higher acceptance rate (99.9%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Loras College vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Loras College vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loras College 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).

• Loras College's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Loras College earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Bluefield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $6,166 lower median loan debt than Loras College graduates ($20,834 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Loras College graduates ($215 vs. $279).
• More Loras College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.