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Bluffton University vs Shawnee State University

Bluffton University is a private university in Bluffton, OH, and Shawnee State University is a public university in Portsmouth, OH. Bluffton University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 67% of applicants against 72% at Shawnee State University. Shawnee State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,381 a year against $19,943 at Bluffton University. About 51% of students graduate at Bluffton University, compared with 45% at Shawnee State University. Ten years after enrolling, Bluffton University alumni earn a median of about $49,547, against $39,596 for Shawnee State University.

Bluffton University

Bluffton, OH · Private

Shawnee State University

Portsmouth, OH · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bluffton, OH
Portsmouth, OH
Setting
Rural
Suburban
Undergraduates
582
2,247
Acceptance rate
67%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.32–3.82
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
860–1130
890–1180
ACT (middle 50%)
16–22
18–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$19,943
$14,381
Full cost / yr
$51,862
$21,974
In-state tuition
$37,362
$10,626
Out-of-state tuition
$37,362
$17,358
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,363
$12,310
$30k - $48k
$16,689
$11,956
$48k - $75k
$18,469
$14,326
$75k - $110k
$21,233
$16,787
Over $110k
$26,321
$18,754
Outcomes
Graduation rate
51%
45%
Freshman retention
60%
72%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$41,940
$35,080
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,547
$39,596
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
45%
39%
First-generation students
33%
43%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 Bluffton University or Shawnee State University harder to get into?
Bluffton University is harder to get into. It admits about 67% of applicants, compared with 72% at Shawnee 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, Bluffton University or Shawnee State University?
Shawnee State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,381 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,943 at Bluffton 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 Bluffton University and Shawnee State University?
Before aid, Shawnee State University costs about $21,974 a year and Bluffton University about $51,862. 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, Bluffton University or Shawnee State University?
Shawnee State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,310 there, against about $16,363 at Bluffton University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Bluffton University or Shawnee State University?
Shawnee State University is the larger of the two, with about 2,247 undergraduates against 582 at Bluffton University.
Does Bluffton University or Shawnee State University have a better graduation rate?
Bluffton University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 45% at Shawnee State University.
Do graduates of Bluffton University or Shawnee State University earn more?
Bluffton University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $49,547 ten years after enrolling, against about $39,596 for Shawnee State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Bluffton University and Shawnee State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Bluffton University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Shawnee State University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Bluffton University and Shawnee State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 860–1130 at Bluffton University and 890–1180 at Shawnee State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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