Buena Vista University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (5,689 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Columbia College 20:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Columbia 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 Columbia College ($19,704 vs. $21,530).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 15.7% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,552 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 61.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $15,972 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 61.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at Columbia College (about $15,972 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $25,826.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 116.6% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($34,397 vs. $15,882).

Buena Vista University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• Columbia College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Columbia College - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).

Buena Vista University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Columbia College's (39%).
• Graduates from Columbia College earn a median of about $600 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $1,988 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($22,034 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($227 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 40%)

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.