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Southern Virginia University vs Bluefield University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Buena Vista VA · vs · Private nonprofit, Bluefield VA

The verdict

Southern Virginia University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,852 in 54.1 years versus 190.8 years at Bluefield University, on median earnings of $50,002 vs $48,896 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Virginia UniversityBluefield University
Net price / yr$22,213$25,573
Total net cost$88,852$102,292
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,002$48,896
Median debt$24,224$21,855
Payback54.1 yrs190.8 yrs
20-year net return-$56,012-$91,572

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

Which is cheaper, Southern Virginia University or Bluefield University?

Southern Virginia University, at $22,213 a year after aid versus $25,573 — a gap of $3,360 a year, or $13,440 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Southern Virginia University or Bluefield University graduates earn more?

Southern Virginia University graduates report a median $50,002 ten years after entry, $1,106 more than the $48,896 at Bluefield 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, Southern Virginia University or Bluefield University?

Bluefield University: its completers carry a median $21,855 in federal loans versus $24,224 at Southern Virginia University, a difference of $2,369. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

33% of students finish at Southern Virginia University, against 18% at Bluefield 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.

Southern Virginia University vs Bluefield University: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Virginia University or Bluefield University a better value?
Southern Virginia University. It clears its $88,852 net cost in about 54.1 years versus 190.8 years at Bluefield University, on median earnings of $50,002 vs $48,896 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Virginia University or Bluefield University?
Southern Virginia University: $22,213/yr net price after aid versus $25,573/yr at Bluefield University — a difference of $3,360 a year, or about $13,440 over four years.
Do Southern Virginia University or Bluefield University graduates earn more?
Southern Virginia University graduates earn a median $50,002 ten years after entry, versus $48,896 at Bluefield University — a $1,106 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.