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Bluefield University vs Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Bluefield University is a private university in Bluefield, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is a public institute in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University admits about 55% of applicants and Bluefield University about 59%, making Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $24,953 a year at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University after aid, and about $25,573 at Bluefield University. About 86% of students graduate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, compared with 22% at Bluefield University. Ten years after enrolling, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn a median of about $81,698, against $48,896 for Bluefield University.

Bluefield University

Bluefield, VA · Private

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bluefield, VA
Blacksburg, VA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
614
30,923
Acceptance rate
59%
55%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.55–4
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1070
1280–1450
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,573
$24,953
Full cost / yr
$42,539
$36,951
In-state tuition
$26,770
$15,948
Out-of-state tuition
$26,770
$37,764
Application fee
Not reported
$60
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$25,807
$11,689
$30k - $48k
$25,454
$11,670
$48k - $75k
$25,732
$17,894
$75k - $110k
$25,374
$25,835
Over $110k
$25,430
$34,201
Outcomes
Graduation rate
22%
86%
Freshman retention
61%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,923
$67,377
Median earnings (10 yr)
$48,896
$81,698
Median debt at graduation
$21,855
$21,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
51%
15%
First-generation students
43%
18%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

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 Polytechnic Institute and State University harder to get into?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is harder to get into. It admits about 55% of applicants, compared with 59% at Bluefield 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 University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,953 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Before aid, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University costs about $36,951 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,689 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is the larger of the two, with about 30,923 undergraduates against 614 at Bluefield University.
Does Bluefield University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have a better graduation rate?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 86% against 22% at Bluefield University.
Do graduates of Bluefield University or Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University earn more?
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $81,698 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 Polytechnic Institute and State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bluefield University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Bluefield University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1070 at Bluefield University and 1280–1450 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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