Buena Vista University vs. Bethany College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Bethany College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 640 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Bethany College is in Bethany, WV (Rural Fringe setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Bethany College 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Bethany College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Bethany 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 Bethany College than Buena Vista University ($19,035 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 14.2% lower than at Bethany College ($11,330 vs. $13,210).
• Buena Vista University is 13.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethany College (about $5,033 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $36,765.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.7% higher at Buena Vista University than at Bethany College (about $5,033 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $36,765.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Bethany College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 8.7% larger than aid received by Bethany College students ($34,397 vs. $31,646).

Buena Vista University vs. Bethany College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Bethany College (990).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Bethany College (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Bethany College 870/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Bethany College 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Bethany College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.64 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Bethany College (2.85).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Bethany College (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 27.3% at Bethany College.

Buena Vista University vs. Bethany College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Bethany 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 Bethany College's (48%).
• Graduates from Bethany College earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $6,862 lower median loan debt than Bethany College graduates ($24,022 vs. $30,884).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethany College graduates ($248 vs. $319).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bethany College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 56%)

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.