MBC vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mary Baldwin University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,772 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Mary Baldwin University is located in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Mary Baldwin University 15:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

MBC vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MBC 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 MBC ($15,814 vs. $17,810).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mary Baldwin University are 0.9% lower than at Bluefield State University ($11,411 vs. $11,512).
• Mary Baldwin University is 220.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $23,504 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 85.9% higher at MBC than at Bluefield State University (about $15,776 more per year; $34,152.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Mary Baldwin University than at Bluefield State University (99% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mary Baldwin University students is 186.7% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($28,135 vs. $9,814).

MBC vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MBC 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 MBC.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mary Baldwin University (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming MBC students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 940/1120; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Mary Baldwin University 18/24; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MBC - Not reported; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).

MBC vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MBC 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).

• Mary Baldwin University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Mary Baldwin University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 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 MBC graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More MBC 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.