At $12,529/yr net price, Bluefield State University graduates earn $38,217/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,217/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,529 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $50,116 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,217/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,217/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 11.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 34.6% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,971/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,213/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,772/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,204/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,428/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $48,935 | $15,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $48,041 | $25,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $37,208 | $12,450 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $32,391 | $19,426 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,554 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $28,236 | |
| Social Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $26,933 |
The Risk Factor
34.6% of students at Bluefield State University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Bluefield State University offers limited financial returns with significant risks that make it unsuitable for most students. The median earnings of $38,217 ten years after graduation barely justify the $12,529 annual cost, especially when paired with a troubling 34% graduation rate that leaves two-thirds of students without degrees.
Nursing stands out as the only financially viable path, with graduates earning nearly $49,000 annually and relatively low debt loads around $15,500 to $25,000. Allied health programs provide modest returns at $37,208, though still below national averages. Liberal arts graduates face particularly poor outcomes at $32,391 with nearly $20,000 in debt, while criminal justice majors earn just $30,554.
The school's 55% retention rate signals serious academic and support issues that increase your risk of dropping out without a degree. This creates a dangerous scenario where you accumulate debt without earning credentials needed for career advancement.
Bluefield State makes financial sense only if you plan to pursue nursing and can complete the program successfully. The low net price becomes meaningless if you cannot graduate. Students interested in liberal arts, criminal justice, or general studies should look elsewhere, as these programs deliver poor returns that may leave you financially worse off than before college.
The school's location in West Virginia limits job market opportunities, making it harder to leverage your degree for higher earnings. Unless you have strong ties to the region or guaranteed employment, the geographic constraints compound the already weak ROI. Only students with strong financial need who are certain they can complete the nursing program should consider Bluefield State.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluefield State University worth the cost?
Bluefield State University offers below-average returns with graduates earning $38,217 ten years after enrollment, which is low compared to the national average. The low net price of $12,529 per year helps offset poor earnings outcomes, but the 34.6% graduation rate means most students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Bluefield State University?
Nursing programs at Bluefield State University provide the strongest financial returns, with graduates earning around $48,000-$49,000 annually. Other health-related programs earn about $37,000, while liberal arts and criminal justice majors typically earn $30,000-$32,000.
How much debt do Bluefield State University graduates have?
Bluefield State University graduates carry a median debt of $18,250, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with average earnings of $38,217, graduates may still struggle to pay off loans quickly.
What is the job market like for Bluefield State University graduates?
Bluefield State University graduates face limited earning potential outside of nursing and healthcare fields. The school's location in West Virginia and low average earnings suggest fewer high-paying job opportunities for most majors.