Bluefield State University : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Bluefield State University
Locals call Bluefield nature's air conditioned city, and Bluefield State sits in that cool mountain air. The university is known for practical academics in technical fields, health, business, and education, with faculty who keep classes focused and hands-on. Students use labs, studios, a solid library, tutoring and writing help, advising, and career coaching. There are places to build and tinker, and quiet corners when you need them.
Campus life feels down-to-earth and welcoming, with service projects, cultural groups, student media, and intramurals, plus quick escapes to nearby trails and rivers. The culture leans close knit and purpose driven, shaped by its HBCU heritage and Appalachian roots. Career prep shows up early through internships, clinical experiences, and employer visits, supported by regional alumni. Off campus, you'll find a friendly downtown, cafés, arts, and community partners for work, volunteering, and weekend breathing room. Homecoming traditions keep the rhythm.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Bluefield State University with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in West Virginia. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Health (7)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0701
Health/Health Care Administration/Management.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9111 | Medical and Health Services Managers | $137,730 | $115,940 | -$21,790 (-15.8%) |
51.0801
Medical/Clinical Assistant.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $102,950 | -$34,950 (-25.3%) |
31-9092 | Medical Assistants | $44,720 | $33,130 | -$11,590 (-25.9%) |
51.0907
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.
(Cert<2y)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $102,950 | -$34,950 (-25.3%) |
29-1124 | Radiation Therapists | $110,820 | $93,960 | -$16,860 (-15.2%) |
29-2034 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $79,760 | $68,590 | -$11,170 (-14%) |
29-2036 | Medical Dosimetrists | $141,420 | $79,720 | -$61,700 (-43.6%) |
29-2099 | Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $56,370 | $47,060 | -$9,310 (-16.5%) |
51.0911
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $102,950 | -$34,950 (-25.3%) |
29-2034 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $79,760 | $68,590 | -$11,170 (-14%) |
51.1504
Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
21-1091 | Health Education Specialists | $71,700 | $57,540 | -$14,160 (-19.7%) |
21-1094 | Community Health Workers | $55,970 | $40,640 | -$15,330 (-27.4%) |
51.3801
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1072 | Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary | $87,090 | $82,280 | -$4,810 (-5.5%) |
29-1141 | Registered Nurses | $98,430 | $80,100 | -$18,330 (-18.6%) |
Eng. Technologies (8)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.0201
Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
17-3022 | Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $68,450 | $59,210 | -$9,240 (-13.5%) |
53-6041 | Traffic Technicians | $61,310 | $54,640 | -$6,670 (-10.9%) |
15.0303
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
17-3012 | Electrical and Electronics Drafters | $77,960 | N/A | N/A |
17-3021 | Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $86,330 | N/A | N/A |
17-3023 | Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $78,580 | $84,630 | +$6,050 (+7.7%) |
17-3024 | Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $75,710 | N/A | N/A |
17-3028 | Calibration Technologists and Technicians | $71,080 | N/A | N/A |
49-2095 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | $97,460 | $94,610 | -$2,850 (-2.9%) |
15.0805
Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.
(Cert<2y, Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
17-3013 | Mechanical Drafters | $74,040 | $64,360 | -$9,680 (-13.1%) |
17-3024 | Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians | $75,710 | N/A | N/A |
17-3027 | Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $72,450 | $58,480 | -$13,970 (-19.3%) |
15.1102
Surveying Technology/Surveying.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
17-1021 | Cartographers and Photogrammetrists | $82,860 | $58,760 | -$24,100 (-29.1%) |
17-1022 | Surveyors | $76,730 | $69,270 | -$7,460 (-9.7%) |
17-3019 | Drafters, All Other | $66,530 | N/A | N/A |
17-3031 | Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $56,890 | $49,540 | -$7,350 (-12.9%) |
15.1501
Engineering/Industrial Management.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $108,260 | -$6,260 (-5.5%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $111,810 | -$17,370 (-13.4%) |
11-9041 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | $175,710 | $150,360 | -$25,350 (-14.4%) |
17-2112 | Industrial Engineers | $107,900 | $105,630 | -$2,270 (-2.1%) |
17-3026 | Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $69,780 | $68,110 | -$1,670 (-2.4%) |
Business (5)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
52.0201
Business Administration and Management, General.
(Cert2y+, PostBacCert)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-1011 | Chief Executives | $262,930 | $178,170 | -$84,760 (-32.2%) |
11-1021 | General and Operations Managers | $133,120 | $98,760 | -$34,360 (-25.8%) |
11-2022 | Sales Managers | $160,930 | $108,650 | -$52,280 (-32.5%) |
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $82,960 | -$43,070 (-34.2%) |
11-3013 | Facilities Managers | $114,520 | $108,260 | -$6,260 (-5.5%) |
11-3051 | Industrial Production Managers | $129,180 | $111,810 | -$17,370 (-13.4%) |
11-3071 | Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $116,010 | $110,650 | -$5,360 (-4.6%) |
11-3111 | Compensation and Benefits Managers | $156,230 | $107,170 | -$49,060 (-31.4%) |
11-3121 | Human Resources Managers | $160,480 | $109,970 | -$50,510 (-31.5%) |
11-3131 | Training and Development Managers | $140,590 | $112,160 | -$28,430 (-20.2%) |
11-9021 | Construction Managers | $119,660 | $88,570 | -$31,090 (-26%) |
11-9072 | Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling | $87,060 | $51,180 | -$35,880 (-41.2%) |
11-9151 | Social and Community Service Managers | $86,100 | $67,170 | -$18,930 (-22%) |
11-9179 | Personal Service Managers, All Other | $70,620 | N/A | N/A |
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $118,450 | -$31,440 (-21%) |
13-1051 | Cost Estimators | $83,160 | $80,200 | -$2,960 (-3.6%) |
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $66,950 | -$12,780 (-16%) |
13-1081 | Logisticians | $87,600 | $78,250 | -$9,350 (-10.7%) |
13-1082 | Project Management Specialists | $108,100 | $90,480 | -$17,620 (-16.3%) |
13-1111 | Management Analysts | $114,710 | $81,710 | -$33,000 (-28.8%) |
13-1141 | Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists | $82,920 | $69,730 | -$13,190 (-15.9%) |
13-1199 | Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $92,380 | $54,240 | -$38,140 (-41.3%) |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $98,240 | -$15,600 (-13.7%) |
52.0204
Office Management and Supervision.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3012 | Administrative Services Managers | $126,030 | $82,960 | -$43,070 (-34.2%) |
43-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers | $71,560 | $53,660 | -$17,900 (-25%) |
52.0301
Accounting.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
13-2011 | Accountants and Auditors | $93,520 | $71,080 | -$22,440 (-24%) |
13-2022 | Appraisers of Personal and Business Property | N/A | N/A | N/A |
13-2031 | Budget Analysts | $93,920 | $67,830 | -$26,090 (-27.8%) |
13-2041 | Credit Analysts | $98,040 | $64,950 | -$33,090 (-33.8%) |
13-2054 | Financial Risk Specialists | $119,930 | $95,510 | -$24,420 (-20.4%) |
13-2061 | Financial Examiners | $103,650 | $90,070 | -$13,580 (-13.1%) |
13-2081 | Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | $67,570 | $47,950 | -$19,620 (-29%) |
13-2082 | Tax Preparers | $58,860 | N/A | N/A |
25-1011 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $113,840 | $98,240 | -$15,600 (-13.7%) |
52.1099
Human Resources Management and Services, Other.
(AltPostMSc)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
13-1071 | Human Resources Specialists | $79,730 | $66,950 | -$12,780 (-16%) |
43-4161 | Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping | $50,950 | $39,670 | -$11,280 (-22.1%) |
Liberal Arts (2)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
24.0102
General Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $65,410 | -$29,060 (-30.8%) |
24.0103
Humanities/Humanistic Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $65,410 | -$29,060 (-30.8%) |
Education (1)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
13.1202
Elementary Education and Teaching.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
25-1081 | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $78,500 | $72,470 | -$6,030 (-7.7%) |
25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $69,790 | $52,360 | -$17,430 (-25%) |
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0101
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $138,420 | -$49,570 (-26.4%) |
15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | $100,160 | -$11,800 (-10.5%) |
15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists | $152,310 | $187,000 | +$34,690 (+22.8%) |
15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $92,680 | -$43,210 (-31.8%) |
15-1242 | Database Administrators | $107,440 | $77,900 | -$29,540 (-27.5%) |
15-1243 | Database Architects | $142,620 | N/A | N/A |
15-1244 | Network and Computer Systems Administrators | $101,190 | $75,390 | -$25,800 (-25.5%) |
15-1253 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $110,260 | $96,920 | -$13,340 (-12.1%) |
15-1255 | Web and Digital Interface Designers | $111,450 | $89,950 | -$21,500 (-19.3%) |
15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Other | $116,700 | $103,070 | -$13,630 (-11.7%) |
25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $83,860 | -$21,970 (-20.8%) |
Security & Safety (1)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
43.0104
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
19-4099 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $64,640 | $52,280 | -$12,360 (-19.1%) |
25-1111 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $84,820 | $74,230 | -$10,590 (-12.5%) |
33-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | $82,260 | $57,170 | -$25,090 (-30.5%) |
33-1012 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $110,990 | $76,440 | -$34,550 (-31.1%) |
Interdisciplinary (1)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
30.0101
Biological and Physical Sciences.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9121 | Natural Sciences Managers | $173,500 | $138,820 | -$34,680 (-20%) |
25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other | $94,470 | $65,410 | -$29,060 (-30.8%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $53,730 | -$19,970 (-27.1%) |
Social Sciences (1)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
45.0101
Social Sciences, General.
(Cert2y+)
Graduate Career Earnings in West Virginia
SOC Code | Occupation | US National | West Virginia Avg | WV vs US |
---|---|---|---|---|
11-9199 | Managers, All Other | $149,890 | $118,450 | -$31,440 (-21%) |
19-3099 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $106,440 | $88,660 | -$17,780 (-16.7%) |
19-4061 | Social Science Research Assistants | $63,560 | $42,580 | -$20,980 (-33%) |
25-1069 | Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $92,950 | $74,710 | -$18,240 (-19.6%) |
25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $73,700 | $53,730 | -$19,970 (-27.1%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Bluefield State University
How much does it cost to attend Bluefield State University?
The annual tuition at Bluefield State University is $10,240 for in-state students and $17,560 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $27,067 for in-state students and $34,387 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,327 and books and supplies $1,200.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Bluefield State University offer?
Bluefield State University offers 31 academic programs across 9 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (8 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (7 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (5 programs)
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (2 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Bluefield State University?
Bluefield State University has an 87.2% acceptance rate and a 34.4% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 720
- Students admitted: 628
- Students enrolled: 216
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Bluefield State University?
Bluefield State University provides financial aid to 22% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $9,634 and average loans of $8,193.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $4,794
- State/Local grants: $3,961
- Institutional grants: $6,366
- Federal loans: $6,990
The university supports 280 students with grants and 184 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Bluefield State University graduates?
Bluefield State University graduates earn a median salary of $35,030 after 6 years and $38,217 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $18,934 (25th percentile) to $61,745 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $63,200 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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