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

Private nonprofit, Virginia Beach VA · vs · Private nonprofit, Bluefield VA

The verdict

Virginia Wesleyan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,704 in 45.9 years versus 190.8 years at Bluefield University, on median earnings of $50,074 vs $48,896 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureVirginia Wesleyan UniversityBluefield University
Net price / yr$19,676$25,573
Total net cost$78,704$102,292
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,074$48,896
Median debt$27,000$21,855
Payback45.9 yrs190.8 yrs
20-year net return-$44,424-$91,572

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

Which is cheaper, Virginia Wesleyan University or Bluefield University?

Virginia Wesleyan University, at $19,676 a year after aid versus $25,573 — a gap of $5,897 a year, or $23,588 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Virginia Wesleyan University or Bluefield University graduates earn more?

Virginia Wesleyan University graduates report a median $50,074 ten years after entry, $1,178 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, Virginia Wesleyan University or Bluefield University?

Bluefield University: its completers carry a median $21,855 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Virginia Wesleyan University, a difference of $5,145. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

42% of students finish at Virginia Wesleyan 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.

Virginia Wesleyan University vs Bluefield University: frequently asked questions

Is Virginia Wesleyan University or Bluefield University a better value?
Virginia Wesleyan University. It clears its $78,704 net cost in about 45.9 years versus 190.8 years at Bluefield University, on median earnings of $50,074 vs $48,896 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Virginia Wesleyan University or Bluefield University?
Virginia Wesleyan University: $19,676/yr net price after aid versus $25,573/yr at Bluefield University — a difference of $5,897 a year, or about $23,588 over four years.
Do Virginia Wesleyan University or Bluefield University graduates earn more?
Virginia Wesleyan University graduates earn a median $50,074 ten years after entry, versus $48,896 at Bluefield University — a $1,178 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.