Anderson University vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Anderson University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (1,228 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Anderson University vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University or Bluefield State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bluefield State University than Anderson University ($15,814 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 10.1% lower than at Anderson University ($11,512 vs. $12,800).
• Anderson University is 249.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluefield State University (about $26,592 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $10,648.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 102.7% higher at Anderson University than at Bluefield State University (about $18,864 more per year; $37,240.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University than at Bluefield State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Anderson University students is 164.4% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($25,946 vs. $9,814).

Anderson University vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University or Bluefield State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Bluefield State University and Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is 50 points higher than at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Anderson University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Anderson University (79.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Anderson University vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University and Bluefield State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Anderson University earn a median of about $8,600 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($40,400 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $8,000 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $83 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($196 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 30%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.