Spalding vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Spalding University in Louisville, KY with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Spalding University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (1,553 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spalding University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spalding University 9:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Spalding vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spalding or Bluefield 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 University than Spalding ($22,216 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 2.4% lower than at Spalding University ($9,480 vs. $9,710).
• Spalding University is 9.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $2,430 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.1% higher at Spalding than at Bluefield University (about $2,430 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Bluefield University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 4.7% larger than aid received by Spalding University students ($20,341 vs. $19,429).

Spalding vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spalding or Bluefield 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 University and Spalding.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 875/1038.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spalding - Test optional; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Spalding vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Spalding vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spalding and Bluefield 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $400 more per year than Spalding graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $4,166 lower median loan debt than Spalding graduates ($20,834 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spalding graduates ($215 vs. $258).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Spalding students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 44%)

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.