Buena Vista University vs. Cottey College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Cottey College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 254 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Cottey College is in Nevada, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cottey College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Cottey College 6:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Cottey College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Cottey 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 Cottey College than Buena Vista University ($14,704 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cottey College are 0.8% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,240 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 51.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cottey College (about $14,236 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $27,562.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.7% higher at Buena Vista University than at Cottey College (about $14,236 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $27,562.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Cottey College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 40% larger than aid received by Cottey College students ($34,397 vs. $24,565).

Buena Vista University vs. Cottey College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cottey College (1080) is 50 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Cottey College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Cottey College 1030/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Cottey College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Cottey College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Cottey College (3.39).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Cottey College (69.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 21.6% at Cottey College.

Buena Vista University vs. Cottey College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than Cottey College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $33,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cottey College graduates have a $12,022 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($12,000 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Cottey College graduates have an estimated $124 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($124 vs. $248).
• More Cottey College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.