South Carolina State University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

South Carolina State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (3,242 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• South Carolina State University is located in Orangeburg, SC (Distant Town setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• South Carolina State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: South Carolina State University 19:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

South Carolina State University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University ($15,814 vs. $17,965).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at South Carolina State University are 21.8% lower than at Bluefield State University ($9,000 vs. $11,512).
• South Carolina State University is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $412 more per year; $11,060.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.4% higher at South Carolina State University than at Bluefield State University (about $3,374 more per year; $21,750.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at South Carolina State University (97% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by South Carolina State University students is 18% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($11,579 vs. $9,814).

South Carolina State University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 50 points higher than at South Carolina State University (930).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at South Carolina State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 800/1050; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: South Carolina State University 15/19; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: South Carolina State University - Test-free; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: South Carolina State University Jul 31, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at South Carolina State University (3.17).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than South Carolina State University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.4% at South Carolina State University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

South Carolina State University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for South Carolina State 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).

• South Carolina State University's six-year graduation rate (35%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluefield State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than South Carolina State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,800 vs. $31,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $14,205 lower median loan debt than South Carolina State University graduates ($19,000 vs. $33,205).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $147 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than South Carolina State University graduates ($196 vs. $343).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former South Carolina State University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 27%)

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.