Degree Dividend
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Concord University vs Bluefield State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Athens WV · vs · Public, Bluefield WV

The verdict

Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Concord University comes closer — median earnings $42,703 against a $39,864 total, vs $38,217 at Bluefield State University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureConcord UniversityBluefield State University
Net price / yr$9,966$13,684
Total net cost$39,864$54,736
Median earnings, 10 yrs$42,703$38,217
Median debt$18,900$18,250
Payback
20-year net return-$153,004-$257,596

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Concord University or Bluefield State University?

Concord University, at $9,966 a year after aid versus $13,684 — a gap of $3,718 a year, or $14,872 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Concord University or Bluefield State University graduates earn more?

Concord University graduates report a median $42,703 ten years after entry, $4,486 more than the $38,217 at Bluefield State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Concord University or Bluefield State University?

Bluefield State University: its completers carry a median $18,250 in federal loans versus $18,900 at Concord University, a difference of $650. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

39% of students finish at Concord University, against 37% at Bluefield State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Concord University vs Bluefield State University: frequently asked questions

Is Concord University or Bluefield State University a better value?
Concord University comes closer, but neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings — the field you study decides it here more than the school.
Which is cheaper, Concord University or Bluefield State University?
Concord University: $9,966/yr net price after aid versus $13,684/yr at Bluefield State University — a difference of $3,718 a year, or about $14,872 over four years.
Do Concord University or Bluefield State University graduates earn more?
Concord University graduates earn a median $42,703 ten years after entry, versus $38,217 at Bluefield State University — a $4,486 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.