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 tables 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.

Cost details

• 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).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.8% higher at AIC than at Buena Vista University (about $2,432 more per year; $44,230 vs. $41,798).
• 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).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at Buena Vista University, test-free at AIC.
• Typical fall application deadline: AIC Sep 7, 2026.
• Enrolled first-year students at Buena Vista University average a 3.49 high school GPA, 0.58 higher than at AIC (2.91).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 11.2% at AIC.

Loans and repayment

• 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, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.