Buena Vista University vs. Barton College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Barton College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,235 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Barton College is in Wilson, NC (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Barton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Barton College 14:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Barton College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Barton 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 Barton College ($19,704 vs. $23,962).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 19.8% lower than at Barton College ($11,330 vs. $14,130).
• Buena Vista University is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Barton College (about $4,548 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Buena Vista University than at Barton College (about $4,548 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,250.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Barton College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 26.2% larger than aid received by Barton College students ($34,397 vs. $27,266).

Buena Vista University vs. Barton College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Barton College (1060) is 30 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 Barton College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Barton College 970/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Barton College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Barton College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Barton College (3.25).
• Barton College 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. 10.4% at Barton College.

Buena Vista University vs. Barton College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Barton 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 Barton College's (47%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Barton College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Barton College graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Barton College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Barton College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 52%)

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.