Virginia Union University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Virginia Union University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,646 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Virginia Union University is located in Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Virginia Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Virginia Union University 16:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Virginia Union University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Virginia Union 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 Virginia Union University than Bluefield State University ($11,483 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Virginia Union University are 4.3% lower than at Bluefield State University ($11,016 vs. $11,512).
• Virginia Union University is 63.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $6,802 more per year; $17,450.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.3% higher at Bluefield State University than at Virginia Union University (about $926 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $17,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Virginia Union University (97% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Virginia Union University students is 78.6% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($17,524 vs. $9,814).

Virginia Union University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 110 points higher than at Virginia Union University (870).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Virginia Union University 850/885; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Virginia Union 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 0.7 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Virginia Union University (2.71).
• Virginia Union University has a higher acceptance rate (98%) than Bluefield State University (97.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 14.3% at Virginia Union University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Virginia Union University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Virginia Union 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).

• Virginia Union University's six-year graduation rate (29%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Virginia Union University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($33,300 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $14,750 lower median loan debt than Virginia Union University graduates ($19,000 vs. $33,750).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $152 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Virginia Union University graduates ($196 vs. $348).
• More Bluefield State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Virginia Union University students, three years after graduation. (30% vs. 19%)

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.