Buena Vista University vs. Clarke University

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Clarke University is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Clarke University 9:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Clarke University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Clarke 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 Clarke University ($19,704 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 3.4% lower than at Clarke University ($11,330 vs. $11,734).
• Buena Vista University is 2.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarke University (about $888 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $40,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.2% higher at Buena Vista University than at Clarke University (about $888 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $40,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Clarke University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 19.1% larger than aid received by Clarke University students ($34,397 vs. $28,884).

Buena Vista University vs. Clarke University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is the same as at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Clarke University 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Clarke University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Clarke University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 5.5% at Clarke University.

Buena Vista University vs. Clarke University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Clarke University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Clarke University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,978 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.