Buena Vista University vs. Keystone College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Keystone College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Keystone College is in La Plume, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Keystone College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Keystone College 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Keystone College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Keystone 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 Keystone College ($19,704 vs. $21,952).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 10.1% lower than at Keystone College ($11,330 vs. $12,600).
• Buena Vista University is 128.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Keystone College (about $23,498 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $18,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 128.4% higher at Buena Vista University than at Keystone College (about $23,498 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $18,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Keystone College (100% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 239.9% larger than aid received by Keystone College students ($34,397 vs. $10,119).

Buena Vista University vs. Keystone College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 10 points higher than at Keystone College (1020).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Keystone College 910/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Keystone College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.49 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Keystone College (3.0).
• Keystone College has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 10.8% at Keystone College.

Buena Vista University vs. Keystone College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Keystone College's (39%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $7,800 more per year than Keystone College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,978 lower median loan debt than Keystone College graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Keystone College graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Keystone College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 57%)

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.