Buena Vista University vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Buena Vista University vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or BLC? 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 BLC ($19,704 vs. $21,127).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 23.9% lower than at Buena Vista University ($8,620 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 33.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $10,438 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.3% higher at Buena Vista University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $10,438 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Bethany Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 73.2% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($34,397 vs. $19,865).

Buena Vista University vs. BLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 80 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming BLC students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Buena Vista University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 34% at BLC.

Buena Vista University vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and BLC? 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 Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $3,900 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $772 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($240 vs. $248).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.