Tennessee State University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Tennessee State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (6,310 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Tennessee State University is located in Nashville, TN (Large City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Tennessee 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: Tennessee State University 13:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Tennessee State University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University than Bluefield State University ($14,586 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tennessee State University are 3.1% lower than at Bluefield State University ($11,150 vs. $11,512).
• Bluefield State University is 23.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tennessee State University (about $2,032 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $8,616.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22% higher at Tennessee State University than at Bluefield State University (about $4,040 more per year; $22,416.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Tennessee State University (97% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield State University students is 1.6% larger than aid received by Tennessee State University students ($9,814 vs. $9,661).

Tennessee State University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Tennessee 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 Tennessee State University.

• Tennessee State University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 10 points higher than at Tennessee State University (970).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 18 at Tennessee State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 880/1050; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Tennessee State University 16/21; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Tennessee State University - Open admission; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Tennessee State University (3.22).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Tennessee State University (70.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13% at Tennessee State University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Tennessee State University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Tennessee 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).

• Tennessee State University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Tennessee State University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($38,400 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $9,000 lower median loan debt than Tennessee State University graduates ($19,000 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $93 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tennessee State University graduates ($196 vs. $289).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tennessee State University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 29%)

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.