Warren Wilson vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bluefield State University is larger than Warren Wilson based on total student enrollment (1,141 students vs. 791 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Warren Wilson College is located in Swannanoa, NC (Midsize Suburban setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Warren Wilson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Warren Wilson College 12:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Warren Wilson vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Warren Wilson 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 Warren Wilson ($15,814 vs. $26,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 11.8% lower than at Warren Wilson College ($11,512 vs. $13,050).
• Warren Wilson College is 289.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $30,852 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.8% higher at Warren Wilson than at Bluefield State University (about $23,124 more per year; $41,500.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Warren Wilson College than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Warren Wilson College students is 214.7% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($30,887 vs. $9,814).

Warren Wilson vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming Warren Wilson students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Warren Wilson College 21/29; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Warren Wilson - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Warren Wilson Jul 3, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Warren Wilson students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at Bluefield State University (3.41).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Warren Wilson (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Warren Wilson vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Warren Wilson vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Warren Wilson 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).

• Warren Wilson College's six-year graduation rate (45%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Bluefield State University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Warren Wilson graduates about ten years after starting college ($31,800 vs. $30,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Warren Wilson graduates ($19,000 vs. $23,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Warren Wilson graduates ($196 vs. $237).
• More Warren Wilson graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.