Buena Vista University vs. Graceland University-Lamoni

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Graceland University-Lamoni based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,102 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Graceland University Lamoni is in Lamoni, IA (Remote Rural setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Graceland University Lamoni is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Graceland University Lamoni 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Graceland University-Lamoni Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Graceland University-Lamoni? 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 Graceland University Lamoni than Buena Vista University ($19,574 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Graceland University Lamoni are 2.9% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,000 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 99.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Graceland University-Lamoni (about $20,848 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $20,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Graceland University Lamoni (about $20,848 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $20,950.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Graceland University Lamoni (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 19.6% larger than aid received by Graceland University Lamoni students ($34,397 vs. $28,754).

Buena Vista University vs. Graceland University-Lamoni Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Graceland University-Lamoni? 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 Graceland University-Lamoni and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Graceland University-Lamoni (1000).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Graceland University-Lamoni).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Graceland University Lamoni 880/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Graceland University Lamoni 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Graceland University-Lamoni - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Graceland University-Lamoni (3.22).
• Graceland University-Lamoni has a higher acceptance rate (80.8%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 15.5% at Graceland University-Lamoni.

Buena Vista University vs. Graceland University-Lamoni Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Graceland University-Lamoni? 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 Graceland University Lamoni's (51%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $200 more per year than Graceland University-Lamoni graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Graceland University Lamoni graduates have a $478 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($23,544 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Graceland University-Lamoni graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($243 vs. $248).
• More Graceland University-Lamoni graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.