Buena Vista University vs. Fort Hays State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Fort Hays State University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (12,878 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Fort Hays State University is in Hays, KS (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Fort Hays State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Fort Hays State University 15:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Fort Hays State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Fort Hays State University? 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 Fort Hays State University than Buena Vista University ($13,186 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Fort Hays State University are 19.5% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,120 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 605.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Fort Hays State University (about $35,875 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $5,923.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 135.6% higher at Buena Vista University than at Fort Hays State University (about $24,057 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $17,741.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Fort Hays State University (100% vs. 92%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 409.5% larger than aid received by Fort Hays State University students ($34,397 vs. $6,751).

Buena Vista University vs. Fort Hays State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Fort Hays State University? 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 Fort Hays State University and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Fort Hays State University (1060) is 30 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 Fort Hays State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Fort Hays State University 970/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Fort Hays State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Fort Hays State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Fort Hays State University (3.45).
• Fort Hays State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.3%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 41.8% at Fort Hays State University.

Buena Vista University vs. Fort Hays State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Fort Hays State University? 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 Fort Hays State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Fort Hays State University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,400 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have a $3,304 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($20,718 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Fort Hays State University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($214 vs. $248).
• More Fort Hays State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.