Mars Hill University vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

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

Mars Hill University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (1,110 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mars Hill University is located in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mars Hill University 11:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Mars Hill University vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University than Bluefield University ($18,925 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 22.7% lower than at Mars Hill University ($9,480 vs. $12,258).
• Mars Hill University is 41% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $10,966 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41% higher at Mars Hill University than at Bluefield University (about $10,966 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Bluefield University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 52.7% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($31,066 vs. $20,341).

Mars Hill University vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University.

• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Mars Hill University - Test-free; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Mars Hill University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Mars Hill University has a higher acceptance rate (67.9%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at Mars Hill University vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Mars Hill University vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mars Hill 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).

• Mars Hill University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $13,400 more per year than Mars Hill University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $32,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $6,166 lower median loan debt than Mars Hill University graduates ($20,834 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mars Hill University graduates ($215 vs. $279).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.