BU Students Paying Less for Tuition
Bluefield University students are paying less for tuition, thanks to a tuition reduction implemented by the university for the 2024-2025 academic year reflecting the institution’s commitment to making higher education more affordable for students.
The university’s Board of Trustees approved the reduction in the spring of 2024 as part of its ongoing efforts to alleviate the financial burden on students and their families.
“For over 100 years, Bluefield University has created opportunities for generational transformation by maintaining a commitment to quality education that is affordable and accessible,” said BU provost Dr. Michael Salmeier in a BU press release. “This tuition change continues that commitment.”
The on-campus tuition for 2024-2025 was reduced by more than 10 percent, bringing the total to $24,950. In addition, fees decreased by nearly 10 percent per academic year, and on-campus residents enjoyed a reduction of up to $334 in housing compared to the 2023-2024 academic year. Students may also qualify for further cost reductions through institutional and external tuition assistance programs.
To implement the tuition reduction, Bluefield University reviewed and adjusted its institutional financial aid packages. In doing so, the Financial Aid Department worked to ensure the overall cost for students remained stable.
“Due to the reduction of tuition, all institutional aid was reviewed and reduced to accommodate the changes,” said BU’s Chelsie Smith, director of Financial Aid. “The Financial Aid Department worked to try to make sure that all students paid close to what they did the previous year.”
Bluefield University’s goal is to help students maintain financial stability despite the changes. The administration is also reviewing existing payment plans and exploring new options to better meet students’ needs.
“We try to work with students to accommodate all situations,” said Alyssa Mangino, student accounts assistant, “and we are actively looking for better payment plan options.”
The university has ensured transparency by communicating the tuition changes through official notifications, including personalized financial aid offers and correspondence from leadership.
“This information was provided on all students’ aid offers,” Smith said, “as well as notifications sent to all students from leadership and coaches.”
Though specific details regarding long-term sustainability and budget impact have not yet been disclosed, the university remains dedicated to maintaining high standards in education and student services.
For more information, students and families are encouraged to contact Smith in the BU Financial Aid Office by email at cmeadows@bluefield.edu.