Buena Vista University vs. Defiance College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Defiance College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Defiance College is in Defiance, OH (Rural Fringe setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Defiance College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Defiance College 11:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Defiance College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Defiance 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 Defiance College ($19,704 vs. $26,298).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 10.1% lower than at Defiance College ($11,330 vs. $12,606).
• Buena Vista University is 42.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Defiance College (about $12,478 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $29,320.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.6% higher at Buena Vista University than at Defiance College (about $12,478 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $29,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Defiance College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 27.3% larger than aid received by Defiance College students ($34,397 vs. $27,024).

Buena Vista University vs. Defiance College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Defiance College (990).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Defiance College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Defiance College 860/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Defiance College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Defiance College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Defiance College (3.12).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Defiance College (47.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 21.6% at Defiance College.

Buena Vista University vs. Defiance College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Defiance 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 Defiance College's (51%).
• Graduates from Defiance College earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,700 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Defiance College graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Defiance College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Defiance College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 58%)

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.