Buena Vista University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Columbia College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,725 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, SC (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 12:1.

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 Columbia College than Buena Vista University ($18,790 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 17.1% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,390 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 88.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $19,584 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 88.2% higher at Buena Vista University than at Columbia College (about $19,584 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 109.1% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($34,397 vs. $16,451).

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.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

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 (50%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,242 lower median loan debt than Columbia College graduates ($24,022 vs. $25,264).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Columbia College graduates ($248 vs. $261).
• 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. 43%)

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.