Buena Vista University vs. Hastings College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Hastings College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 956 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Hastings College is in Hastings, NE (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Hastings College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Hastings College 14:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Hastings College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Hastings 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 Hastings College ($19,704 vs. $24,406).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 6% lower than at Hastings College ($11,330 vs. $12,050).
• Buena Vista University is 10.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Hastings College (about $4,028 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,770.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.7% higher at Buena Vista University than at Hastings College (about $4,028 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,770.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Hastings College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 26.9% larger than aid received by Hastings College students ($34,397 vs. $27,107).

Buena Vista University vs. Hastings College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Hastings College (1070) is 40 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Hastings College (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Hastings College 960/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Hastings College 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Hastings College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Hastings College students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Hastings College (71.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 17.7% at Hastings College.

Buena Vista University vs. Hastings College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Hastings College's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Hastings College earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Hastings College graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Hastings College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Hastings College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.