Union Commonwealth University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Union Commonwealth University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,324 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union Commonwealth University is located in Barbourville, KY (Remote Town setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Union Commonwealth University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union Commonwealth University 14:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University ($15,814 vs. $17,124).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Commonwealth University are 28.2% lower than at Bluefield State University ($8,261 vs. $11,512).
• Union Commonwealth University is 190.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $20,298 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 68.4% higher at Union Commonwealth University than at Bluefield State University (about $12,570 more per year; $30,946.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union Commonwealth University than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union Commonwealth University students is 174.7% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($26,961 vs. $9,814).

Union Commonwealth University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union Commonwealth 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 Union Commonwealth University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Commonwealth University (1010) is 30 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at Union Commonwealth University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 920/1105; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union Commonwealth University 14/21; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union Commonwealth University - 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 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Union Commonwealth University (3.15).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Union Commonwealth University (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 38.8% at Union Commonwealth University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Union Commonwealth University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union Commonwealth 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).

• Union Commonwealth University's six-year graduation rate (32%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Union Commonwealth University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($34,800 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $5,000 lower median loan debt than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($19,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union Commonwealth University graduates ($196 vs. $248).
• More Union Commonwealth University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (42% 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.