Buena Vista University vs. LEC

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than LEC based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,108 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Buena Vista University vs. LEC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or LEC? 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 LEC ($19,704 vs. $22,892).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 13.1% lower than at Lake Erie College ($11,330 vs. $13,036).
• Buena Vista University is 11.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than LEC (about $4,164 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,634.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.1% higher at Buena Vista University than at Lake Erie College (about $4,164 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,634.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Lake Erie College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 23.4% larger than aid received by Lake Erie College students ($34,397 vs. $27,879).

Buena Vista University vs. LEC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is the same as at LEC (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at LEC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Lake Erie College 945/1115.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Lake Erie College 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; LEC - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: LEC Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at LEC (3.19).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than LEC (70.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 19.7% at LEC.

Buena Vista University vs. LEC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and LEC? 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 Lake Erie College's (53%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $4,600 more per year than LEC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $36,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than LEC graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LEC graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More LEC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (62% 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.