Buena Vista University vs. Erskine College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Erskine College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Erskine College is in Due West, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Erskine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Erskine College 15:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Erskine College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Erskine 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 Erskine College ($19,704 vs. $23,882).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 14.5% lower than at Erskine College ($11,330 vs. $13,250).
• Buena Vista University is 13.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Erskine College (about $5,088 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Erskine College (about $5,088 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Erskine College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 10.3% larger than aid received by Erskine College students ($34,397 vs. $31,174).

Buena Vista University vs. Erskine College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Erskine College (1040) is 10 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Erskine College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Erskine College 920/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Erskine College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Erskine College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Erskine College (3.26).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Erskine College (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 22.2% at Erskine College.

Buena Vista University vs. Erskine College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• The graduation rate at Buena Vista University is the same as at Erskine College (55% vs. 55%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Erskine College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,728 lower median loan debt than Erskine College graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,750).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Erskine College graduates ($248 vs. $276).
• More Erskine College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (69% 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.