Paine College vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Paine College in Augusta, GA 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 Paine College based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 390 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Paine College is located in Augusta, GA (Midsize City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Paine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Paine College 11:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Paine College vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Paine College 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 Paine College ($15,814 vs. $15,935).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Paine College are 34.7% lower than at Bluefield State University ($7,512 vs. $11,512).
• Paine College is 37.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $3,948 more per year; $14,596.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.9% higher at Bluefield State University than at Paine College (about $3,780 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $14,596.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Paine College than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Paine College students is 23.8% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($12,145 vs. $9,814).

Paine College vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 100 points higher than at Paine College (880).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Paine College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Paine College 776/976; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Paine College 15/19; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Paine College - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Paine College Jul 1, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.6 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Paine College (2.81).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Paine College (95.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 3.6% at Paine College vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Paine College vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Paine College 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).

• Paine College's six-year graduation rate (27%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluefield State University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Paine College graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,800 vs. $28,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $16,750 lower median loan debt than Paine College graduates ($19,000 vs. $35,750).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $173 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Paine College graduates ($196 vs. $369).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Paine College students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 15%)

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.