Buena Vista University vs. Central College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Central College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,084 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Buena Vista University vs. Central College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Central 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 Central College ($19,704 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 6.1% lower than at Central College ($11,330 vs. $12,060).
• Buena Vista University is 99.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $20,810 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.2% higher at Buena Vista University than at Central College (about $20,810 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Central College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 147% larger than aid received by Central College students ($34,397 vs. $13,925).

Buena Vista University vs. Central College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Central College 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; Central College 1056/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Central College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Central College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 21% at Central College.

Buena Vista University vs. Central College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $6,800 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Central 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 Central College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.