Benedict College vs. Bluefield University

Comparable Facts

Compare Benedict College in Columbia, SC with Bluefield University in Bluefield, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Benedict College is larger than Bluefield University based on total student enrollment (1,691 students vs. 959 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Benedict College is located in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting); Bluefield University is in Bluefield, VA (Remote Town setting).
• Benedict College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Benedict College 13:1; Bluefield University 14:1.

Benedict College vs. Bluefield University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Benedict College or Bluefield 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 Benedict College than Bluefield University ($18,665 vs. $22,216).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Benedict College are 24.6% lower than at Bluefield University ($7,146 vs. $9,480).
• Bluefield University is 53.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Benedict College (about $9,330 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 53.5% higher at Bluefield University than at Benedict College (about $9,330 more per year; $26,770.00 vs. $17,440.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Benedict College than at Bluefield University (95% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bluefield University students is 52.5% larger than aid received by Benedict College students ($20,341 vs. $13,335).

Benedict College vs. Bluefield University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Benedict College or Bluefield 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 University and Benedict College.

• Benedict College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 820/1010.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Benedict College 14/19.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Benedict College - Open admission; Bluefield University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Benedict College Feb 15, 2027.
• Benedict College has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Bluefield University (59.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8% at Benedict College vs. 18.5% at Bluefield University.

Benedict College vs. Bluefield University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Benedict College and Bluefield 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).

• Bluefield University's six-year graduation rate (36%) is higher than Benedict College's (26%).
• Graduates from Bluefield University earn a median of about $20,700 more per year than Benedict College graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,700 vs. $25,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have a $22,064 lower median loan debt than Benedict College graduates ($20,834 vs. $42,898).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield University graduates have an estimated $228 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Benedict College graduates ($215 vs. $443).
• More Bluefield University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Benedict College students, three years after graduation. (51% vs. 13%)

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.