Buena Vista University vs. Divine Word College

Should I go to Buena Vista University or Divine Word College? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Buena Vista University or Divine Word College is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.
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Buena Vista University vs. Divine Word College comparison
Buena Vista University Divine Word College College 3 College 4
Buena Vista University
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Overview

 Buena Vista University Divine Word College
Location Storm Lake, IA Epworth, IA
Setting Remote Town Distant Rural
Enrollment 1,951 61
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #719
Religious Affiliation Presbyterian Church (USA) Roman Catholic - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website bvu.edu dwci.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

 Buena Vista University Divine Word College
Tuition (In State) $40,190 $14,800
Tuition (Out of State) $40,190 $14,800
Room & Board $10,896 $4,200
Avg Net Price $18,156 -
Avg Grant Aid $34,333 $0
% Receiving Grant Aid 99% 0%

Admission

 Buena Vista University Divine Word College
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 1,544 -
Admitted 1,108 -
Acceptance Rate 71.8%
Enrolled % 19.6%
Avg High School GPA 3.49 -
Typical High School Grades B+ -
Admissions Standards Very Easy Unavailable
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 20/24
SAT Range 930/1130
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Jul 15, 2026

Academics

 Buena Vista University Divine Word College
Student to Faculty Ratio 13:1 5:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (34%)
  • General Studies (18%)
  • Education (14%)
  • Psychology (11%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies (60%)
  • Social Sciences (40%)

Outcomes

 Buena Vista University Divine Word College
Graduation Rate 55% 17%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $41,200 N/A
Making Student Loan Payments 59% -
Median Student Loan Debt $24,022 N/A
Median Loan Payment $248 N/A

Diversity

 Buena Vista University Divine Word College
% Men 4% 31%
% Women 22% 49%
Racial Diversity Very Low Very High
HBCU No No
% White 80% 1%
% Black 1% 1%
% Hispanic 4% 8%
% Native American 1% 0%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 1% 0%
% International 4% 68%
% Unknown Race 7% 0%

Students

 Buena Vista University Divine Word College
% In-State 74% 33%
% Out-of-State 26% 0%

Campus

 Buena Vista University Divine Word College
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No Yes
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No No
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Buena Vista University is larger than than Divine Word College based on total student enrollment (1,951 students vs. 61 students)

Buena Vista University vs. Divine Word College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Divine Word College?

  • Buena Vista University is 171.6% more expensive to attend than Divine Word College for in-state tuition ($40,190.00 vs. $14,800.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 171.6% higher at Buena Vista University than Divine Word College ($40,190.00 vs. $14,800.00)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Divine Word College are 159.4% lower than costs at Buena Vista University ($4,200 vs. $10,896)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Buena Vista University than Divine Word College (99% vs. 0%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is ?% larger than aid received Divine Word College ($34,333 vs. $0)

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Divine Word College? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Divine Word College or Buena Vista University .

Buena Vista University vs. Divine Word College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Buena Vista University or Divine Word College? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Divine Word College and Buena Vista University.

  • The graduation rate at Buena Vista University is higher than Divine Word College (55% vs. 17%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/