Special Tuition

Helping our students Go Further!

Starting Tuition $27,876
Commonwealth Connection Scholarship (50%) $13,938
Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) $4,500
NEW Tuition $9,938 

Commonwealth Connection Scholarship

Helping Students Go Further

Our best tuition plan for students from the communities we were founded to serve 100 years ago. Students who qualify will pay a significantly reduced tuition rate. Bluefield University established this affordable tuition rate to ensure local families have access to the many wonderful features of our Christ-centered learning community. All Virginia residents qualify for this special tuition as well as local West Virginia residents in the following counties:

  • Virginia (VA)
    • All Counties
  • West Virginia (WV)
    • McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, & Wyoming

 

Students who receive the Commonwealth Connection Scholarship are encouraged to obtain outside scholarships, grants, and loans to assist with the costs associated with pursuing their education.

Eligibility Requirements

  • The student’s legal home address must be with their parents or legal guardian, and they must reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia or in one of the following West Virginia counties: McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, or Wyoming.
  • Must have at least a 2.75-grade point average to initially qualify.
  • A student must provide documentation for financial aid verification upon request. If verification is not completed prior to the semester deadline, the student will not be able to participate in this program for that semester.
  • Upon request, a student must provide documentation in order to assist staff with validating residency requirements.
  • A student must be enrolled full-time in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester and remain a full-time student.

Additional Information & Guidelines

  • If a student no longer meets the eligibility requirements, they will pay the standard tuition rates for that academic year. At that point, the student will also be eligible to receive institutional aid to assist with offsetting the cost increase.
  • While a student participating in Commonwealth Connection does not qualify to receive any institutional aid, there are no restrictions regarding outside scholarships or funding.
  • Additional fees which a student in Commonwealth Connection would be responsible for include private music lessons, lab fees, and graduation fees, as well as any other fees listed for specific courses. Room and board charges may apply if a student selects to live on campus.
  • All students—new, transfer, and returning students—may choose to apply for acceptance in Commonwealth Connection if they meet the eligibility requirements.

 

* Our lowest tuition rate requires the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant (VTAG) award. This award is available to Virginia residents. You apply directly for the grant using a special application before 7/31. After completing your application, it should be submitted to BU’s office of financial aid in Bluefield Central for processing.

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Jenna Fitzgerald

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Raymond

Assistant Professor of Counseling

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