Buena Vista University vs. Donnelly College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Donnelly College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 395 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Donnelly College is in Kansas City, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Donnelly College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Donnelly College 11:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Donnelly College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Donnelly 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 Donnelly College than Buena Vista University ($11,058 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 10.3% lower than at Donnelly College ($11,330 vs. $12,630).
• Buena Vista University is 300.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Donnelly College (about $31,358 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,440.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 300.4% higher at Buena Vista University than at Donnelly College (about $31,358 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,440.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Donnelly College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 246.3% larger than aid received by Donnelly College students ($34,397 vs. $9,933).

Buena Vista University vs. Donnelly College Admissions comparison

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

• Donnelly 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; Donnelly College - Open admission.

Buena Vista University vs. Donnelly College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Donnelly 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 $15,400 more per year than Donnelly College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $25,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Donnelly College graduates have a $15,722 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($8,300 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Donnelly College graduates have an estimated $163 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($85 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Donnelly College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 21%)

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.