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Bluefield State University

Bluefield, WV·Public·1,231 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and families looking for lower cost. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 1,231 students.

87%
Accept
1,231
Students
$12,529
Net Price
35%
Grad Rate
$31,900
Earnings
10 yr
$12,038
Debt

About This School

Bluefield State University is a public institution located in Bluefield, West Virginia with approximately 1,231 undergraduate students enrolled. Bluefield State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 87%. The average net price after financial aid is $12,529 per year. The graduation rate is 35%, and the typical graduate earns $31,900 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bluefield State University is a public historically black university (HBCU) in Bluefield, West Virginia, United States. The university is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund but is now a predominantly white institution.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $12,529/year net price and a low median debt of $12,038, this HBCU is one of the more affordable options in the region, which matters. But a 35% graduation rate and 55% freshman retention rate are serious red flags — most students who start here don't finish — and median earnings of $31,900 a decade out suggest limited financial lift from the degree. Worth considering only if you have a clear plan, strong support systems, and genuinely need to minimize upfront costs.

Founded
1895
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Health Professions48%
Business & Marketing8%
Education5%
Social Sciences4%
Computer Science2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Steve Murphy

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite998
Reading 75th %ile540
Math 75th %ile540

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite20

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,240
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,560
Avg Net Price
$12,529
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants41%
Median debt at graduation$12,038

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
35%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
55%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$31,900
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,038
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,038
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$29,600
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$31,900
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.6x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White72%
Black17%
Hispanic/Latino4%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,231 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bluefield State University

219 Rock Street

Bluefield, WV 24701-2198

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in West Virginia

Browse all West Virginia schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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