Liberty University vs Bluefield University
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
Bluefield University holds a 4-point ROI advantage over Liberty University, scoring 32/100 versus 28/100. That gap reflects meaningful differences in how costs, earnings, and debt stack up for graduates of each institution.
On cost, Bluefield University comes in at $25,573 per year (net price after aid) versus $29,357 at Liberty University - a difference of $3,784 annually, or roughly $15,136 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, Bluefield University graduates earn a median of $48,896 compared to $44,813 at Liberty University. The payback period is 26.2 years at Liberty University versus 17.4 years at Bluefield University.
Graduates leave Bluefield University with a median $21,855 in debt versus $24,500 at Liberty University. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.68 and 0.56 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Liberty University | Bluefield University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $22,465 | $26,770 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $22,465 | $26,770 |
| Net Price (avg) | $29,357 | $25,573 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $117,428 | $102,292 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $35,800 | $39,400 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $44,813 | $48,896 |
| Graduation Rate | 65.3% | 17.8% |
| Payback Period | 26.2 yr | 17.4 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $24,500 | $21,855 |
| Monthly Payment | $260 | $232 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.68 | 0.56 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 61.2% | 70.4% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 44.7% | 58.7% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 99.0% | 59.3% |
| Enrollment | 50,012 | 614 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Liberty University | Bluefield University |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $30,667 | $25,807 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $27,807 | $25,454 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $27,347 | $25,732 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $27,142 | $25,374 |
| $110,001+ | $30,545 | $25,430 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Liberty University | Bluefield University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $82,883 | $91,278 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,269 | $63,715 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $61,715 | $56,811 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $51,061 | $41,595 |
| Human Services, General | $36,290 | $43,789 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Liberty University | Bluefield University |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 16 | 25 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 20 | 31 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 32 | 62 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 69 | 3 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 19 | 41 |
| Overall ROI Score | 28 | 32 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. Bluefield University edges out Liberty University by 4 points (32 vs 28), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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Liberty University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Bluefield University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.