Bluefield University
Bluefield University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Bluefield University Worth It?
At a value score of 11/100, Bluefield University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,896 — 9% below average — while paying $25,573/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 22% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 2 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Bluefield University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Bluefield University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #70 of 74 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #2 | Hallmark University | 54 | $12,513 | $40,183 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | University of Fort Lauderdale | 48 | $19,965 | $38,062 |
| #5 | Wesleyan College | 43 | $12,724 | $44,317 |
| #6 | Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | 43 | $15,488 | $57,556 |
| #70 | Bluefield University | 11 | $25,573 | $48,896 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bluefield University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in VA.
Best Programs at Bluefield University
The highest-earning program at Bluefield University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $58,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $32,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Bluefield University earns $58,100, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $32,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $17,834 in median debt vs. $23,250 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $25,573/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $58,100 | $58,100 | $17,834 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $38,800 | $38,800 | $21,266 |
| Human Services, General | $33,000 | $33,000 | $19,759 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,400 | $32,400 | $23,250 |
Similar Colleges in VA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bluefield, VA
- Student Body
- 614 students
- Admission Rate
- 59%
- Graduation Rate
- 22%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $25,573
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,896
- Median Student Debt
- $21,855