Buena Vista University vs. Bemidji State University

Comparable Facts

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

Bemidji State University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (4,072 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Bemidji State University is in Bemidji, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bemidji State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Bemidji State University 18:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Bemidji State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Bemidji State University? 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 Bemidji State University than Buena Vista University ($14,859 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bemidji State University are 7.7% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,462 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 308.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bemidji State University (about $31,561 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 308.3% higher at Buena Vista University than at Bemidji State University (about $31,561 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,237.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Bemidji State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 335.2% larger than aid received by Bemidji State University students ($34,397 vs. $7,904).

Buena Vista University vs. Bemidji State University Admissions comparison

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

• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Bemidji State University).
• 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; Bemidji State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Bemidji State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Bemidji State University (3.26).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Bemidji State University (56%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 24.2% at Bemidji State University.

Buena Vista University vs. Bemidji State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Bemidji State University? 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 Bemidji State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Bemidji State University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have a $2,718 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($21,304 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Bemidji State University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($220 vs. $248).
• More Bemidji State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.