Blackburn College vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL 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 Blackburn College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 513 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Blackburn College is located in Carlinville, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Blackburn College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Blackburn College 11:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Blackburn College vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

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

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Blackburn College than Buena Vista University ($18,460 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Blackburn College are 12.5% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,915 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 48.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Blackburn College (about $13,649 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Blackburn College (about $13,649 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $28,149.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Blackburn College as at Buena Vista University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 76.8% larger than aid received by Blackburn College students ($34,397 vs. $19,456).

Blackburn College vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Blackburn 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 Blackburn College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Blackburn College (1010).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Blackburn College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 888/1125; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Blackburn College 16/24; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Blackburn College - Test-free; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Blackburn College (3.23).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Blackburn College (63.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.7% at Blackburn College vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Blackburn College vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Blackburn 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 Blackburn College's (48%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Blackburn College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,978 lower median loan debt than Blackburn College graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Blackburn College graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Blackburn College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 58%)

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.