Allen College vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Allen College in Waterloo, IA with Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Allen College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Allen College is located in Waterloo, IA (Rural Fringe setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Allen College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Allen College 8:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Allen College vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Allen College or Buena Vista University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Allen College are 22.3% lower than at Buena Vista University ($8,800 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 114.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Allen College (about $22,282 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.2% higher at Buena Vista University than at Allen College (about $22,282 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $19,516.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Allen College (100% vs. 0%).

Allen College vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Allen College or Buena Vista University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Buena Vista University and Allen College.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBuena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsBuena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Allen College - Not reported; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Allen College Feb 1, 2027.

Allen College vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Allen College and Buena Vista University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Allen College's (50%).
• Graduates from Allen College earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,100 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Allen College graduates have a $7,272 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($16,750 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Allen College graduates have an estimated $75 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($173 vs. $248).
• More Allen College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.