Buena Vista University vs. Bluffton University

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Bluffton University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 646 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Bluffton University is in Bluffton, OH (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bluffton University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Bluffton University 11:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Bluffton University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Bluffton 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 Buena Vista University than Bluffton University ($19,704 vs. $20,429).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 7.3% lower than at Bluffton University ($11,330 vs. $12,220).
• Buena Vista University is 11.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bluffton University (about $4,436 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,362.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Bluffton University (about $4,436 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,362.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Bluffton University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 9.3% larger than aid received by Bluffton University students ($34,397 vs. $31,481).

Buena Vista University vs. Bluffton University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Bluffton University (1000).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Bluffton University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Bluffton University 860/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Bluffton University 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Bluffton University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Bluffton University (3.26).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Bluffton University (67.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 9% at Bluffton University.

Buena Vista University vs. Bluffton University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Bluffton 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).

• Bluffton University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $600 more per year than Bluffton University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $40,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Bluffton University graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bluffton University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Bluffton University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.