Warren Wilson vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bluefield University is larger than Warren Wilson based on total student enrollment (959 students vs. 791 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Warren Wilson College is located in Swannanoa, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Warren Wilson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Warren Wilson College 12:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Warren Wilson vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Warren Wilson 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 Warren Wilson ($22,216 vs. $26,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 27.4% lower than at Warren Wilson College ($9,480 vs. $13,050).
• Warren Wilson College is 55% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield University (about $14,730 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55% higher at Warren Wilson than at Bluefield University (about $14,730 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Warren Wilson College than at Bluefield University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Warren Wilson College students is 51.8% larger than aid received by Bluefield University students ($30,887 vs. $20,341).

Warren Wilson vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Warren Wilson 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 Warren Wilson.

• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Warren Wilson College 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Warren Wilson - Test optional; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Warren Wilson Jul 3, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Warren Wilson students have a 0.29 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• Warren Wilson has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Warren Wilson vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Warren Wilson vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Warren Wilson 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).

• Warren Wilson College's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $14,900 more per year than Warren Wilson graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $30,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $2,166 lower median loan debt than Warren Wilson graduates ($20,834 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Warren Wilson graduates ($215 vs. $237).
• More Warren Wilson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.