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Bluefield State University vs University of Charleston

Bluefield State University is a public university in Bluefield, WV. University of Charleston is a private university in Charleston, WV. University of Charleston admits about 62% of applicants and Bluefield State University about 97%, making University of Charleston the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $13,684 a year at Bluefield State University after aid, and about $22,107 at University of Charleston. About 46% of students graduate at University of Charleston, compared with 36% at Bluefield State University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Charleston alumni earn a median of about $55,774, against $38,217 for Bluefield State University.

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Bluefield State University

Bluefield, WV · Public

University of Charleston

Charleston, WV · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Bluefield, WV
Charleston, WV
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,042
2,259
Acceptance rate
97%
62%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.06–3.56
3.4–3.9
SAT (middle 50%)
870–1080
985–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
19–23
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$13,684
$22,107
Full cost / yr
$21,839
$46,470
In-state tuition
$10,648
$33,800
Out-of-state tuition
$18,376
$33,800
Application fee
Not reported
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,810
$21,427
$30k - $48k
$10,703
$25,331
$48k - $75k
$14,630
$16,945
$75k - $110k
$17,058
$20,215
Over $110k
$16,242
$23,795
Outcomes
Graduation rate
36%
46%
Freshman retention
55%
75%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$35,030
$42,698
Median earnings (10 yr)
$38,217
$55,774
Median debt at graduation
$18,250
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
31%
First-generation students
49%
43%
International students
0%
8%
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 University of Charleston harder to get into?
University of Charleston is harder to get into. It admits about 62% of applicants, compared with 97% 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.
Which is cheaper, Bluefield State University or University of Charleston?
Bluefield State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,684 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $22,107 at University of Charleston. 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 University of Charleston?
Before aid, Bluefield State University costs about $21,839 a year and University of Charleston about $46,470. 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 University of Charleston?
Bluefield State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,810 there, against about $21,427 at University of Charleston. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bluefield State University or University of Charleston?
University of Charleston is the larger of the two, with about 2,259 undergraduates against 1,042 at Bluefield State University.
Does Bluefield State University or University of Charleston have a better graduation rate?
University of Charleston has the higher graduation rate, at about 46% against 36% at Bluefield State University.
Do graduates of Bluefield State University or University of Charleston earn more?
University of Charleston alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,774 ten years after enrolling, against about $38,217 for Bluefield State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bluefield State University and University of Charleston require SAT or ACT scores?
Bluefield State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Charleston is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bluefield State University and University of Charleston look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 870–1080 at Bluefield State University and 985–1160 at University of Charleston. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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