Buena Vista University vs. Academy College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Academy College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 56 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Academy College is in Bloomington, MN (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Academy College is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Academy College 8:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Academy College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Academy College? 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 Academy College ($19,704 vs. $29,093).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Academy College are 24.6% lower than at Buena Vista University ($8,539 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 123.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Academy College (about $23,118 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $18,680.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at Academy College (about $23,118 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $18,680.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Academy College (100% vs. 50%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 619.5% larger than aid received by Academy College students ($34,397 vs. $4,781).

Buena Vista University vs. Academy College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Academy College? 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 Academy College and Buena Vista University.

• Academy College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Academy College - Open admission.

Buena Vista University vs. Academy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Academy College? 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 Academy College's (50%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Academy College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $3,862 lower median loan debt than Academy College graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,884).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Academy College graduates ($248 vs. $288).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Academy College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 38%)

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.