Spalding vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Spalding University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,553 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Spalding University is located in Louisville, KY (Large City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Spalding University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Spalding University 9:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Spalding vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Spalding 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 Spalding ($15,814 vs. $25,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spalding University are 15.7% lower than at Bluefield State University ($9,710 vs. $11,512).
• Spalding University is 174.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $18,552 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 58.9% higher at Spalding than at Bluefield State University (about $10,824 more per year; $29,200.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Spalding University than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Spalding University students is 98% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($19,429 vs. $9,814).

Spalding vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Spalding 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 Spalding.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 20 points higher than at Spalding (960).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Spalding).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 875/1038; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Spalding University 15/22; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Spalding - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Spalding students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.87) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Spalding has a higher acceptance rate (99.4%) than Bluefield State University (97.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.6% at Spalding vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Spalding vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Spalding 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).

• Spalding University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Spalding University earn a median of about $13,500 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $6,000 lower median loan debt than Spalding graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Spalding graduates ($196 vs. $258).
• More Spalding graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (44% 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.