WSSU vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winston Salem State University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (4,782 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winston Salem State University is located in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Winston Salem 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: Winston Salem State University 15:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

WSSU vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WSSU 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 Winston Salem State University than Bluefield State University ($12,989 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winston Salem State University are 0.2% lower than at Bluefield State University ($11,484 vs. $11,512).
• Bluefield State University is 73.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $4,522 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.5% higher at Bluefield State University than at Winston Salem State University (about $1,594 more per year; $18,376.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bluefield State University than at Winston Salem State University (97% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winston Salem State University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($10,057 vs. $9,814).

WSSU vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WSSU 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 WSSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bluefield State University (980) is 50 points higher than at WSSU (930).
• Incoming Bluefield State University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (19 vs. 17 at WSSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 830/1020; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winston Salem State University 15/20; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WSSU - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at WSSU (3.01).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than WSSU (78.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.1% at WSSU vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

WSSU vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WSSU 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).

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Winston Salem State University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($35,700 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $6,663 lower median loan debt than WSSU graduates ($19,000 vs. $25,663).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $69 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSSU graduates ($196 vs. $265).
• More WSSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (33% 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.