Briar Cliff University vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, 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 Briar Cliff University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 947 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Briar Cliff University is located in Sioux City, IA (Small City setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Briar Cliff University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Briar Cliff University 10:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Briar Cliff University vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Briar Cliff University 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 Buena Vista University than Briar Cliff University ($19,704 vs. $23,263).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 1.6% lower than at Briar Cliff University ($11,330 vs. $11,518).
• Buena Vista University is 13.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Briar Cliff University (about $4,842 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $36,956.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.1% higher at Buena Vista University than at Briar Cliff University (about $4,842 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $36,956.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Briar Cliff University as at Buena Vista University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 21% larger than aid received by Briar Cliff University students ($34,397 vs. $28,425).

Briar Cliff University vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Briar Cliff University 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 Briar Cliff University.

• Briar Cliff University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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: Briar Cliff University - Open admission; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Briar Cliff University (3.21).

Briar Cliff University vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Briar Cliff University 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 Briar Cliff University's (45%).
• Graduates from Briar Cliff University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $478 lower median loan debt than Briar Cliff University graduates ($24,022 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Briar Cliff University graduates ($248 vs. $253).
• More Briar Cliff University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.