Marian vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Marian University in Indianapolis, IN with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Marian University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (3,486 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Marian University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Marian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Marian University 13:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Marian vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Marian 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 Bluefield University than Marian ($22,216 vs. $22,786).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 31.6% lower than at Marian University ($9,480 vs. $13,850).
• Marian University is 51.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $13,894 more per year; $40,664.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.9% higher at Marian than at Bluefield University (about $13,894 more per year; $40,664.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Marian University than at Bluefield University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Marian University students is 59% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($32,351 vs. $20,341).

Marian vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Marian 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 Marian.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Marian - Test-free; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Marian Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Marian students have a 0.25 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Marian has a higher acceptance rate (95.5%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Marian vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Marian vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Marian 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).

• Marian University's six-year graduation rate (58%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Marian graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $6,166 lower median loan debt than Marian graduates ($20,834 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Marian graduates ($215 vs. $279).
• More Marian graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (57% 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.