Buena Vista University vs. Baker

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Baker University in Baldwin City, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Baker University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (2,017 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Baker University is in Baldwin City, KS (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Baker University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Baker University 13:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Baker Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Baker? 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 Baker ($19,704 vs. $26,211).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Baker University are 0.7% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,250 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 18.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Baker (about $6,498 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $35,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.4% higher at Buena Vista University than at Baker University (about $6,498 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $35,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Baker University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 39.1% larger than aid received by Baker University students ($34,397 vs. $24,733).

Buena Vista University vs. Baker Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Baker University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Baker).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Baker University 970/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Baker University 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Baker - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Baker (3.45).
• Baker has a higher acceptance rate (94.2%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 25.5% at Baker.

Buena Vista University vs. Baker Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Baker? 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).

• The graduation rate at Buena Vista University is the same as at Baker University (55% vs. 55%).
• Graduates from Baker University earn a median of about $14,800 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $977 lower median loan debt than Baker graduates ($24,022 vs. $24,999).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Baker graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Baker graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.