Buena Vista University vs. Mount St. Joseph University

Comparable Facts

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

Mount St. Joseph University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (2,265 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Mount St. Joseph University is in Cincinnati, OH (Large Suburban setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount St. Joseph University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Mount St. Joseph University 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Mount St. Joseph University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Mount St. Joseph 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 Mount St. Joseph University than Buena Vista University ($17,094 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 1.8% lower than at Mount St. Joseph University ($11,330 vs. $11,540).
• Buena Vista University is 9.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mount St. Joseph University (about $3,648 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $38,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.6% higher at Buena Vista University than at Mount St. Joseph University (about $3,648 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $38,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Mount St. Joseph University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 17.6% larger than aid received by Mount St. Joseph University students ($34,397 vs. $29,257).

Buena Vista University vs. Mount St. Joseph University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Mount St. Joseph 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 Mount St. Joseph University and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Mount St. Joseph University (1040) is 10 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Mount St. Joseph University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Buena Vista University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Mount St. Joseph University 930/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Mount St. Joseph University 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Mount St. Joseph University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Mount St. Joseph University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Mount St. Joseph University (59.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 24.6% at Mount St. Joseph University.

Buena Vista University vs. Mount St. Joseph University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Mount St. Joseph 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).

• Mount St. Joseph University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Mount St. Joseph University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,700 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $3,978 lower median loan debt than Mount St. Joseph University graduates ($24,022 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mount St. Joseph University graduates ($248 vs. $289).
• More Mount St. Joseph University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.