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Bluefield State University vs American Public University System

Bluefield State University is a public university in Bluefield, WV, and American Public University System is a private for-profit university in Charles Town, WV. Bluefield State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 97% of applicants against 100% at American Public University System. American Public University System is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $9,597 a year against $13,684 at Bluefield State University. About 55% of students graduate at American Public University System, compared with 36% at Bluefield State University. Ten years after enrolling, American Public University System alumni earn a median of about $44,409, against $38,217 for Bluefield State University.

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Bluefield State University

Bluefield, WV · Public

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Bluefield, WV
Charles Town, WV
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,042
40,074
Acceptance rate
97%
100%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.2–3.7
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1080
Not reported
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
Not reported
Test policy
Test optional
Not reported
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,684
$9,597
Full cost / yr
$21,839
$18,768
In-state tuition
$10,648
$8,400
Out-of-state tuition
$18,376
$8,400
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,810
$9,335
$30k - $48k
$10,703
$9,766
$48k - $75k
$14,630
$8,951
$75k - $110k
$17,058
$15,559
Over $110k
$16,242
Not reported
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
55%
Freshman retention
55%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,030
$32,917
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,217
$44,409
Median debt at graduation
$18,250
$21,743
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
25%
First-generation students
49%
53%
International students
0%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jul 25
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Bluefield State University or American Public University System harder to get into?
Bluefield State University is harder to get into. It admits about 97% of applicants, compared with 100% at American Public University System. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Bluefield State University or American Public University System?
American Public University System is cheaper on average. Students pay about $9,597 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $13,684 at Bluefield State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Bluefield State University and American Public University System?
Before aid, American Public University System costs about $18,768 a year and Bluefield State University about $21,839. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Bluefield State University or American Public University System?
American Public University System. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,335 there, against about $11,810 at Bluefield State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bluefield State University or American Public University System?
American Public University System is the larger of the two, with about 40,074 undergraduates against 1,042 at Bluefield State University.
Does Bluefield State University or American Public University System have a better graduation rate?
American Public University System has the higher graduation rate, at about 55% against 36% at Bluefield State University.
Do graduates of Bluefield State University or American Public University System earn more?
American Public University System alumni earn more on average: a median of about $44,409 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,217 for Bluefield State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school