Eastern vs. Bluefield State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY with Bluefield State University in Bluefield, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Kentucky University is larger than Bluefield State University based on total student enrollment (15,673 students vs. 1,141 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Kentucky University is located in Richmond, KY (Distant Town setting); Bluefield State University is in Bluefield, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Eastern Kentucky University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluefield State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Kentucky University 17:1; Bluefield State University 13:1.

Eastern vs. Bluefield State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Eastern 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 Eastern Kentucky University than Bluefield State University ($12,279 vs. $15,814).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bluefield State University are 6.2% lower than at Eastern Kentucky University ($11,512 vs. $12,268).
• Bluefield State University is 3.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Eastern (about $328 more per year; $10,648.00 vs. $10,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.5% higher at Eastern than at Bluefield State University (about $2,854 more per year; $21,230.00 vs. $18,376.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern Kentucky University than at Bluefield State University (98% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern Kentucky University students is 16.9% larger than aid received by Bluefield State University students ($11,468 vs. $9,814).

Eastern vs. Bluefield State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Eastern 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 Eastern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Eastern Kentucky University (980) is the same as at Bluefield State University (980).
• Incoming Eastern students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Bluefield State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 880/1080; Bluefield State University 870/1080.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Kentucky University 19/25; Bluefield State University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Eastern - Test optional; Bluefield State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Eastern Aug 1, 2027; Bluefield State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bluefield State University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Eastern (3.39).
• Bluefield State University has a higher acceptance rate (97.2%) than Eastern (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Eastern vs. 32.8% at Bluefield State University.

Eastern vs. Bluefield State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Eastern 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).

• Eastern Kentucky University's six-year graduation rate (38%) is higher than Bluefield State University's (22%).
• Graduates from Eastern Kentucky University earn a median of about $6,100 more per year than Bluefield State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($37,900 vs. $31,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have a $4,695 lower median loan debt than Eastern graduates ($19,000 vs. $23,695).
• Among borrowers, Bluefield State University graduates have an estimated $49 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern graduates ($196 vs. $245).
• More Eastern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bluefield State University students, three years after graduation. (49% 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.