RU vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Radford University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (7,812 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Radford University is located in Radford, VA (Distant Town setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Radford University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Radford University 14:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

RU vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, RU 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 RU ($15,814 vs. $16,749).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 7.9% lower than at Radford University ($11,512 vs. $12,504).
• Radford University is 17.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $1,900 more per year; $12,548.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 39.5% higher at RU than at Bluefield State University (about $7,257 more per year; $25,633.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Radford University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Radford University students is 20.9% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($11,870 vs. $9,814).

RU vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, RU 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 RU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Radford University (1050) is 70 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming RU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 940/1160; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Radford University 19/26; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: RU - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at RU (3.31).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than RU (89.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.4% at RU vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

RU vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for RU 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).

• Radford University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Radford University earn a median of about $15,600 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than RU graduates ($19,000 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RU graduates ($196 vs. $237).
• More RU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.