Mars Hill University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield State University is larger than Mars Hill University based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 1,110 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mars Hill University is located in Mars Hill, NC (Rural Fringe setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Mars Hill University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mars Hill University 11:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Mars Hill University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University ($15,814 vs. $18,925).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 6.1% lower than at Mars Hill University ($11,512 vs. $12,258).
• Mars Hill University is 254.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $27,088 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 105.4% higher at Mars Hill University than at Bluefield State University (about $19,360 more per year; $37,736.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mars Hill University than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mars Hill University students is 216.5% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($31,066 vs. $9,814).

Mars Hill University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill 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: Mars Hill University - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mars Hill University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Mars Hill University (67.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at Mars Hill University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Mars Hill University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Mars Hill 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).

• Mars Hill University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Mars Hill University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($32,300 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 Mars Hill 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 Mars Hill University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Mars Hill University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (53% 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.