Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 29.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.1%
- Retention Rate
- 49.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,896
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,855
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $232/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $16,146 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,007 | $21,656 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,600 | $23,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $33,993 | $20,834 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $16,478 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
Bluefield graduates earn a median of $48,896 ten years after graduation, creating a manageable debt-to-income ratio of 45% based on the typical debt load of $21,855. Monthly loan payments of $232 represent about 5.7% of gross income, well below the recommended 10% threshold. The 94.6% employment rate demonstrates strong job placement success. However, the university's focus on career preparation doesn't always translate to high-paying fields, as evidenced by starting salaries around $40,919. Many graduates enter education, ministry, business, and healthcare support roles that offer stability but modest pay. Given the reasonable debt burden and solid employment outcomes, Bluefield offers an average return on investment for students seeking practical career training in a Christian environment.