Buena Vista University vs. CMU - CLAS

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Fayette, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than CMU - CLAS based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,041 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is in Fayette, MO (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. CMU - CLAS Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or CMU - CLAS? 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 CMU - CLAS ($19,704 vs. $22,929).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are 16.6% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,450 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 47.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU - CLAS (about $13,538 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $28,260.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (about $13,538 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $28,260.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 67% larger than aid received by Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students ($34,397 vs. $20,598).

Buena Vista University vs. CMU - CLAS Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or CMU - CLAS? 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 CMU - CLAS and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 30 points higher than at CMU - CLAS (1000).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at CMU - CLAS).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 960/1045.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; CMU - CLAS - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CMU - CLAS Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman CMU - CLAS students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than CMU - CLAS (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 35.1% at CMU - CLAS.

Buena Vista University vs. CMU - CLAS Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and CMU - CLAS? 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 Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences's (43%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than CMU - CLAS graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Methodist University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences graduates have a $7,147 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($16,875 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, CMU - CLAS graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($174 vs. $248).
• More CMU - CLAS graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.