Buena Vista University vs. Clarkson College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Clarkson College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,121 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Clarkson College is in Omaha, NE (Large City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarkson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Clarkson College 10:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Clarkson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Clarkson 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 Clarkson College than Buena Vista University ($18,289 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 6% lower than at Clarkson College ($11,330 vs. $12,050).
• Buena Vista University is 159.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarkson College (about $25,694 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $16,104.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 159.6% higher at Buena Vista University than at Clarkson College (about $25,694 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $16,104.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Clarkson College (100% vs. 78%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 418.4% larger than aid received by Clarkson College students ($34,397 vs. $6,635).

Buena Vista University vs. Clarkson College Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Clarkson College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Clarkson College (3.3).
• Clarkson College has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 100% at Clarkson College.

Buena Vista University vs. Clarkson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Clarkson College's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Clarkson College earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,600 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $978 lower median loan debt than Clarkson College graduates ($24,022 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarkson College graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Clarkson College 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.