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Bluefield State University

#1042 in US ranking Bluefield, WV
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$22,066
Tuition & fees
$7,696
Avg. aid
$10,063
Receiving aid
98%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
97%
SAT range
870–1080
ACT range
17–22

Outcomes

Graduation rate
37%
Median salary
$52,348
1 yr after graduation

What are the graduation rates for students at Bluefield State University?

Bluefield State's reported four-year graduation rate is 17%, while its reported six-year rate is 30%. These measures follow entering student cohorts for different lengths of time; they are not the percentage of all current students who will eventually graduate.

A separately reported overall graduation figure is 37%, and the reported student retention rate is 55%. These indicators use different definitions or cohorts, so they should not be added together or treated as interchangeable. The graduation figures warrant particular attention from students budgeting for a four-year degree: an extra term can add living expenses and affect aid eligibility even when tuition per term stays the same. Applicants can ask their intended department about course sequencing and how often required classes are offered.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Bluefield State University?

College Scorecard program-level figures report earnings measured one year after completion for certain Bluefield State fields of study. These are historical outcomes for the students included in the measure, not starting-salary offers or predictions for an individual graduate.

  • Registered nursing and related nursing fields: $58,859.
  • Teacher education for specific levels and methods: $31,154.
  • Criminal justice and corrections: $26,729.
  • Liberal arts and general studies: $25,307.
  • General social sciences: $20,986.

Program-level Scorecard earnings are generally reported as medians for the covered group of federally aided completers. They may not represent every graduate, and one year is too early to describe an entire career. Differences among fields also reflect occupation, location, further study, and who entered the measured workforce. Students comparing programs should weigh these figures alongside completion prospects, likely borrowing, licensing requirements, and their own career goals.

Bluefield State University Graduation Rate

Avg. graduation
37%
4-year graduation
17%
6-year graduation
30%

Bluefield State University Retention and Employment

First-year retention, full-time students
55%
First-year retention, part-time students
45%
Employed 1 year after graduation
94%

Bluefield State University Median Alumni Salary Over Time

1 year after graduation
$52,348
4 years after graduation
$61,729
5 years after graduation
$61,949
7 years after graduation
$72,231
10 years after starting college
$45,981

Alumni Salary for Bluefield State University Degrees

Degrees

Avg. salary

Criminal Justice and Corrections

$26,729

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

$25,307

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing

$58,859

Social Sciences, General

$20,986

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

$31,154

Bluefield State University Graduations Per Degree

BACHELOR’S Degree

Women Men Total

Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities

171027

Health Professions and Related Programs

21627

Engineering/Engineering-related Technologies/Technicians

42125

Education

14216

Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

11011

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services

6410

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

369

Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

538

Social Sciences

303

MASTER’S Degree

Women Men Total

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services

8715

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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