Buena Vista University vs. AIC

Comparable Facts

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

American International College is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (2,037 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); American International College is in Springfield, MA (Midsize City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. American International College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; American International College 16:1.

Buena Vista University vs. AIC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or AIC? 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 AIC ($19,704 vs. $23,086).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 32.4% lower than at American International College ($11,330 vs. $16,750).
• American International College is 5.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buena Vista University (about $2,432 more per year; $44,230.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at AIC than at Buena Vista University (about $2,432 more per year; $44,230.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at American International College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by American International College students is 5.2% larger than aid received by Buena Vista University students ($36,184 vs. $34,397).

Buena Vista University vs. AIC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is the same as at AIC (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; American International College 940/1110.
• 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; AIC - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: AIC Sep 7, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.58 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at AIC (2.91).
• AIC has a higher acceptance rate (99.6%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 11.2% at AIC.

Buena Vista University vs. AIC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and AIC? 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 American International College's (36%).
• Graduates from American International College earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than AIC graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AIC graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former AIC students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 49%)

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.