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Bluefield University vs Virginia Military Institute

Bluefield University is a private university in Bluefield, VA. Virginia Military Institute is a public institute in Lexington, VA. Bluefield University admits about 59% of applicants and Virginia Military Institute about 71%, making Bluefield University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,113 a year at Virginia Military Institute after aid, and about $25,573 at Bluefield University. About 79% of students graduate at Virginia Military Institute, compared with 22% at Bluefield University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Military Institute alumni earn a median of about $77,369, against $48,896 for Bluefield University.

Bluefield University

Bluefield, VA · Private

Virginia Military Institute

Lexington, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bluefield, VA
Lexington, VA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
614
1,527
Acceptance rate
59%
71%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.42–3.92
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1070
1050–1270
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
24–31
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,573
$17,113
Full cost / yr
$42,539
$34,824
In-state tuition
$26,770
$21,046
Out-of-state tuition
$26,770
$52,638
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,807
$12,697
$30k - $48k
$25,454
$9,246
$48k - $75k
$25,732
$12,162
$75k - $110k
$25,374
$13,385
Over $110k
$25,430
$23,434
Outcomes
Graduation rate
22%
79%
Freshman retention
61%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,923
$63,545
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,896
$77,369
Median debt at graduation
$21,855
$22,996
Student body
Pell grant recipients
51%
16%
First-generation students
43%
15%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 1

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 University or Virginia Military Institute harder to get into?
Bluefield University is harder to get into. It admits about 59% of applicants, compared with 71% at Virginia Military Institute. 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 University or Virginia Military Institute?
Virginia Military Institute is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,113 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,573 at Bluefield 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 University and Virginia Military Institute?
Before aid, Virginia Military Institute costs about $34,824 a year and Bluefield University about $42,539. 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 University or Virginia Military Institute?
Virginia Military Institute. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,697 there, against about $25,807 at Bluefield University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bluefield University or Virginia Military Institute?
Virginia Military Institute is the larger of the two, with about 1,527 undergraduates against 614 at Bluefield University.
Does Bluefield University or Virginia Military Institute have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Military Institute has the higher graduation rate, at about 79% against 22% at Bluefield University.
Do graduates of Bluefield University or Virginia Military Institute earn more?
Virginia Military Institute alumni earn more on average: a median of about $77,369 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,896 for Bluefield University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bluefield University and Virginia Military Institute require SAT or ACT scores?
Bluefield University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Military Institute is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bluefield University and Virginia Military Institute look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1070 at Bluefield University and 1050–1270 at Virginia Military Institute. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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