Bluefield University
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.
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.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 25% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
What Each Major Actually Earns
Median earnings four years after graduation, by major, next to the national median for that same major at every college. The school-wide average hides this: at most schools the spread between the best- and worst-paying majors is far wider than the gap between schools.
Bluefield University graduates earn most above the national rate in Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($91,278 vs $88,910 nationally), and most below it in Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness ($41,595 vs $54,562).
| Major | Grads | Here | National | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 30 | $63,715 | $68,257 | −$4,542 |
| Human Services, General | 20 | $43,789 | $48,597 | −$4,808 |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 19 | $41,595 | $54,562 | −$12,967 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 15 | $56,811 | $55,378 | +$1,433 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 14 | $91,278 | $88,910 | +$2,368 |
U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard field-of-study data. Median earnings of graduates working and not enrolled four years after completing a bachelor's degreehere. Majors with too few graduates to report are omitted for privacy, so this is not the school's full program list.
Will This School Pay Off?
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
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (614 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Schools Like This in Virginia
Bon Secours Memorial College of Nursing
Richmond, VA · Private nonprofit
Hollins University
Roanoke, VA · Private nonprofit
Ferrum College
Ferrum, VA · Private nonprofit
Randolph College
Lynchburg, VA · Private nonprofit
Eastern Mennonite University
Harrisonburg, VA · Private nonprofit
Patrick Henry College
Purcellville, VA · Private nonprofit
See How Colleges Compare
Bluefield University is one of thousands of colleges in our data studies, each built from the same U.S. Department of Education data shown on this page. Compare schools head to head:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Bluefield University?
Bluefield University has an acceptance rate of 59%, based on the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Is Bluefield University hard to get into?
Bluefield University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 59%. Solid grades and a complete application give most applicants a real shot.
How much does Bluefield University cost?
The average net price at Bluefield University is about $25,573 per year after grants and scholarships, based on federal data. Your actual cost depends on your family's finances and aid package.
What is the graduation rate at Bluefield University?
Bluefield University has a graduation rate of 18%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Sources & Methodology
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.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- 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.
All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.