Buena Vista University vs. JC

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than JC based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,376 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Buena Vista University vs. JC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or JC? 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 JC ($19,704 vs. $20,510).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Jamestown are 11.8% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,990 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 67.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than JC (about $16,808 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $24,990.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 67.3% higher at Buena Vista University than at University of Jamestown (about $16,808 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $24,990.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at University of Jamestown (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 96% larger than aid received by University of Jamestown students ($34,397 vs. $17,548).

Buena Vista University vs. JC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or JC? 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 JC and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 10 points higher than at JC (1020).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at JC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; University of Jamestown 900/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; University of Jamestown 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; JC - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at JC (3.25).
• JC has a higher acceptance rate (88.1%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 36.1% at JC.

Buena Vista University vs. JC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and JC? 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 University of Jamestown's (43%).
• Graduates from University of Jamestown earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,978 lower median loan debt than JC graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than JC graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More JC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.