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Bluefield State University

PublicHBCUTown: Distant

About Bluefield State University

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Bluefield State University is a public university in Bluefield, WV. It has a 97.2% acceptance rate with in-state tuition of $9,840 per year, serving approximately 1,244 students.

Founded

1895

Location

Bluefield, West Virginia

Students

1,066

Institution

Public

Known For

HBCU

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

97.2%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

37%

Below national average

In-State Tuition

$10,648

Out-of-state: $18,376

Avg Net Price

$13,684

After financial aid

SAT Average

989

Out of 1600

Median Earnings

$38,217

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
97.2%

Open Admission

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Optional

Application Fee

Free

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

Bluefield State University accepts the majority of applicants at 97.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

SAT Scores

989/ 1600

850750650550450350
430
Math: 430
440
R&W: 440
25th
540
Math: 540
540
R&W: 540
75th
Math
Reading & Writing

ACT Scores

20/ 36

393428231712
17
25th: 17
25th
20
Avg: 20
Avg
22
75th: 22
75th
25th Percentile
Average
75th Percentile

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
37%

Below Average

37% complete their degree within six years

Retention

54.8%

4-Year Grad

17%

6-Year Grad

31%

Teaching Quality

14:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

63%

$/Student

$8.8K

Class Size

Medium

The 17% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$10,648

In-State

/

$18,376

Out-of-State

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$11,512

Books & Supplies

$1,500

Total Cost of Attendance

$21,839

After Financial Aid

$13,684

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$11,810

Receive Grants

44.4%

Take Loans

55.4%

The full cost of attendance is about $21,839/yr for in-state students, including $11,512 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,684. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $18,376.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Bluefield State University fund their education.

While in School

44.4%

Get Grants

Free money

55.4%

Take Loans

Must repay

$26,625

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$18,250

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$193/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Students typically graduate with $18,250 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Bluefield State University.

Gender

58.9%

Female

/

41%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

66.2%
22.4%
5.3%
4.9%
0.5%
0.2%
White
Black
Hispanic
Multiracial
Asian
International

Enrollment

1,042

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

24

Graduates

49.2%

First-Gen

24 yrs

Avg Age

18.7%

Age 25+

Women make up the majority at 59% of the student body. 49.2% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
Town: Distant

Town: Distant

Campus Quick Facts

1,042

Students

public

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Baccalaureate

Classification

HBCU

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

No

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

Bluefield State University fields 13 varsity teams with 398 student athletes, about 38% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division II with football

Conference

Independent

Plays in no conference

Varsity Sports

13

Biggest: Football

Student Athletes

398

38% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

61% / 39%

241

Men

/

157

Women

9

Men's Teams

11

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
93
Football
41
Track (Out)
38
Basketball
35
Wrestling
33
Track (In)

Every Varsity Team

Football93Track and Field (Outdoor)41Basketball38Wrestling35Track and Field (Indoor)33Baseball31Other Sports26Soccer20Golf19Softball18Cross Country16Tennis14Volleyball14

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Bluefield State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$38,217

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$35K
6yr
$32K
8yr
$38K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$26K

19 grads

1yr Earnings

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$67K

18 grads

1yr Earnings

Business Administration, Management and Operations

17 grads

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

11 grads

Social Sciences, General

$40K

10 grads

4yr Earnings

Criminal Justice and Corrections

$31K

9 grads

1yr Earnings

Median earnings are $38K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Bluefield State University

What is the acceptance rate at Bluefield State University?
Bluefield State University has an acceptance rate of 97.2%. Bluefield State University accepts the majority of applicants at 97.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does Bluefield State University cost?
Tuition at Bluefield State University is $10,648 for in-state students and $18,376 for out-of-state students. The full cost of attendance is about $21,839/yr for in-state students, including $11,512 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $13,684. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $18,376.
What is the graduation rate at Bluefield State University?
Bluefield State University has a graduation rate of 37%. The 17% graduation rate is below the national average of 44%. It's worth looking into what support systems the school offers to help you finish your degree.
How much do Bluefield State University graduates earn?
The median earnings for Bluefield State University graduates is $38,217 ten years after enrollment. Median earnings are $38K ten years after enrollment. Choosing a high-demand major can significantly boost your earning potential from here.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.