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Bluefield State University vs Salem University

Bluefield State University is a public university in Bluefield, WV, and Salem University is a private for-profit university in Salem, WV. Bluefield State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 97% of applicants against 100% at Salem University. Salem University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,303 a year against $13,684 at Bluefield State University. About 36% of students graduate at Bluefield State University, compared with 24% at Salem University. Ten years after enrolling, Bluefield State University alumni earn a median of about $38,217, against $34,642 for Salem University.

Bluefield State University

Bluefield, WV · Public

Salem University

Salem, WV · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Public
Private (for-profit)
Location
Bluefield, WV
Salem, WV
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,042
892
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
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,684
$12,303
Full cost / yr
$21,839
$18,650
In-state tuition
$10,648
$11,900
Out-of-state tuition
$18,376
$11,900
Application fee
Not reported
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,810
$9,886
$30k - $48k
$10,703
$10,753
$48k - $75k
$14,630
$11,154
$75k - $110k
$17,058
$14,107
Over $110k
$16,242
$14,716
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
24%
Freshman retention
55%
55%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,030
$31,612
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,217
$34,642
Median debt at graduation
$18,250
$24,694
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
75%
First-generation students
49%
54%
International students
0%
10%
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 Salem University harder to get into?
Bluefield State University is harder to get into. It admits about 97% of applicants, compared with 100% at Salem University. 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 Salem University?
Salem University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,303 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 Salem University?
Before aid, Salem University costs about $18,650 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 Salem University?
Salem University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,886 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 Salem University?
Bluefield State University is the larger of the two, with about 1,042 undergraduates against 892 at Salem University.
Does Bluefield State University or Salem University have a better graduation rate?
Bluefield State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 36% against 24% at Salem University.
Do graduates of Bluefield State University or Salem University earn more?
Bluefield State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $38,217 ten years after enrolling, against about $34,642 for Salem University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bluefield State University and Salem University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bluefield State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Salem University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.

Related comparisons

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