Union College vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Union College in Schenectady, NY with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Union College is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (2,065 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Union College is located in Schenectady, NY (Small City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Union College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Union College 9:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Union College vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Union College 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 Union College ($22,216 vs. $42,137).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 44.3% lower than at Union College ($9,480 vs. $17,010).
• Union College is 157.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $42,269 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 157.9% higher at Union College than at Bluefield University (about $42,269 more per year; $69,039.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union College than at Bluefield University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union College students is 109.1% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($42,534 vs. $20,341).

Union College vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Union College 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 Union College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union College 1310/1480.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Union College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Union College - Test optional; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Union College Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union College students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Bluefield University has a higher acceptance rate (59.3%) than Union College (43.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.9% at Union College vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Union College vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Union College 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).

• Union College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Union College earn a median of about $28,500 more per year than Bluefield University graduates about ten years after starting college ($74,200 vs. $45,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $6,166 lower median loan debt than Union College graduates ($20,834 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union College graduates ($215 vs. $279).
• More Union College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 51%)

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.