Buena Vista University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Johnson & Wales University Charlotte in Charlotte, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,184 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is in Charlotte, NC (Large City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 14:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte ($19,704 vs. $28,084).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 23.4% lower than at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte ($11,330 vs. $14,800).
• Johnson & Wales University Charlotte is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buena Vista University (about $621 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte than at Buena Vista University (about $621 more per year; $42,419.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Johnson & Wales University Charlotte (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 14.5% larger than aid received by Johnson & Wales University Charlotte students ($34,397 vs. $30,033).

Buena Vista University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte (1010).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 880/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Johnson & Wales University Charlotte 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte - Test optional.
• Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte has a higher acceptance rate (79.9%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 13.7% at Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte.

Buena Vista University vs. Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte? 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 Johnson & Wales University Charlotte's (49%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,878 lower median loan debt than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates ($248 vs. $278).
• More Johnson & Wales University-Charlotte graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.