At $22,198/yr net price, Bluefield University graduates earn $48,896/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,896/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $22,198 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $88,792 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,896/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,896/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 27.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,855 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $22,017/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,146/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,952/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $21,214/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,958/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. | 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 |
The Risk Factor
27.1% of students at Bluefield 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 University's financial picture is shaky. A 27% graduation rate and a 49% retention rate mean roughly half of you leave before sophomore year, and most of you never finish. That is the central financial risk here: you can take on debt without ever earning the degree that pays it back. The $48,896 median earnings ten years out sits close to what many high school graduates make, so the payoff for the average Bluefield student is thin.
Nursing is the exception, and it is a big one. At $57,318 with the lowest program debt on the list, the nursing degree pays back cleanly and stands well above everything else Bluefield offers. If you can get into and finish nursing, this school works financially. Business Administration lands in the middle at $41,007, but with over $21,000 in debt, the margin is tighter than nursing.
The bottom tier is where the math turns against you. Criminal Justice pays $35,600 while carrying the highest debt of any program at $23,500 , you borrow the most to earn the least. Human Services at $33,993 is similar. These salaries barely clear the cost of attending, and if you don't graduate, they don't materialize at all.
The net price tiers offer no real break for lower-income families. If your family earns under $30k, you pay about the same as families earning $75-110k, and families over $110k actually pay the most. Bluefield does not discount steeply for need, so plan on roughly $22,000 a year regardless of income.
Bluefield is a reasonable financial bet only if you are committed to finishing nursing. For any other major, or if you're unsure you'll graduate, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bluefield University worth the cost?
Bluefield University's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing programs deliver strong returns with $57,318 median earnings, but the overall 10-year earnings of $48,896 barely justify the $22,198 annual cost for most other programs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Bluefield University?
Job prospects vary widely by program at Bluefield University. Nursing graduates earn well above the school average, while criminal justice and human services majors face earnings around $35,000 despite similar debt loads.
How much debt do Bluefield University students typically graduate with?
Bluefield University graduates carry a median debt of $21,855. With a 27% graduation rate, many students leave with debt but no degree, making this a high-risk investment for students who struggle academically.
Which programs at Bluefield University offer the best return on investment?
Nursing programs at Bluefield University offer the best ROI, with graduates earning $57,318 annually. Business majors earn $41,007, while other popular programs like criminal justice and human services pay significantly less.