WKU vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Kentucky University is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (16,291 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Kentucky University is located in Bowling Green, KY (Small City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Western Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Kentucky University 19:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

WKU vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WKU 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 Western Kentucky University than Bluefield University ($12,548 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield University are 24.7% lower than at Western Kentucky University ($9,480 vs. $12,582).
• Bluefield University is 129.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WKU (about $15,118 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $11,652.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.9% higher at WKU than at Bluefield University (about $230 more per year; $27,000.00 vs. $26,770.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Kentucky University than at Bluefield University (99% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 86.3% larger than aid received by Western Kentucky University students ($20,341 vs. $10,921).

WKU vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WKU 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 WKU.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 840/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Kentucky University 16/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WKU - Test optional; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: WKU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WKU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Bluefield University (3.31).
• WKU has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 30.2% at WKU vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

WKU vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WKU 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).

• Western Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (50%) is higher than Bluefield University's (36%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than WKU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $3,416 lower median loan debt than WKU graduates ($20,834 vs. $24,250).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WKU graduates ($215 vs. $250).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WKU students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 47%)

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.