VSU vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Virginia State University in Petersburg, VA with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Virginia State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (5,605 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia State University is located in Petersburg, VA (Large Suburban setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Virginia 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: Virginia State University 13:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

VSU vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU 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 VSU ($15,814 vs. $17,840).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 13.8% lower than at Virginia State University ($11,512 vs. $13,355).
• Bluefield State University is 6% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $605 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $10,043.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.3% higher at VSU than at Bluefield State University (about $4,274 more per year; $22,650.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Virginia State University (97% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia State University students is 26.8% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($12,447 vs. $9,814).

VSU vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU 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 VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 20 points higher than at VSU (960).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 840/1070; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia State University 14/20; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU May 1, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.56 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at VSU (2.85).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than VSU (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at VSU vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

VSU vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU 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).

• Virginia State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Virginia State University earn a median of about $4,900 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($36,700 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $10,500 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($19,000 vs. $29,500).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $109 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($196 vs. $305).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 28%)

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.