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Bluefield University

Bluefield, VA·Private nonprofit·614 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want small classes and close faculty access and students from lower-income families. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; freshman retention is below 65%. 51% of students receive Pell Grants — strong access mission.

59%
Accept
614
Students
$25,573
Net Price
18%
Grad Rate
$46,000
Earnings
10 yr
$21,855
Debt

About This School

Bluefield University is a private nonprofit institution located in Bluefield, Virginia with approximately 614 undergraduate students enrolled. Bluefield University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 59%. The average net price after financial aid is $25,573 per year. The graduation rate is 18%, and the typical graduate earns $46,000 within 10 years of enrollment.

Bluefield University is a private Baptist university in Bluefield, Virginia. It offers 58 academic programs and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 82-acre (330,000 m2) campus is about 150 ft (46 m) from the state line between Virginia and West Virginia. It is affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Bluefield University merged with Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine which is on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

The numbers here tell a concerning story — with only a 27% graduation rate and a 49% freshman retention rate, fewer than half of students who start here make it to their second year, let alone a diploma. On the positive side, debt at graduation is relatively low at $13,000, and the Baptist-affiliated community on a small 82-acre campus may appeal to students seeking a faith-centered environment with personal attention. Worth considering only if Bluefield's specific programs align with your goals and you have a clear plan for staying enrolled — otherwise, the completion numbers are a real red flag.

Founded
1922
Setting
Distant town
Religious Affiliation
Southern Baptist
Avg Faculty Salary
$5,619

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing10%
Health Professions9%
Education5%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
Biological Sciences4%
Computer Science2%
Communications2%
Psychology1%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

John Forbes Nash

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$26,770
Out-of-State Tuition
$26,770
Avg Net Price
$25,573
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$25,807
$30–48k$25,454
$48–75k$25,732
$75–110k$25,374
$110k+$25,430

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants51%
Median debt at graduation$21,855

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
18%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
61%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,000
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,855
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$45,600
Female graduates$34,300

Gap: 25% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,855
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$39,400
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$46,000
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.1x

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

White58%
Black23%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian1%
American Indian/Alaska Native1%
International2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (614 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Bluefield University

3000 College Avenue

Bluefield, VA 24605

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Virginia

Browse all 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.
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