Buena Vista University vs. Loras College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Loras College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Loras College is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Loras College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Loras College 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Loras College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Loras 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 Loras College ($19,704 vs. $21,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Loras College are 2.9% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,000 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Loras College (about $1,974 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $39,824.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Loras College (about $1,974 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $39,824.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Loras College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 19.3% larger than aid received by Loras College students ($34,397 vs. $28,835).

Buena Vista University vs. Loras College Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• 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; Loras College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Loras College (3.48).
• Loras College has a higher acceptance rate (99.9%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 18.6% at Loras College.

Buena Vista University vs. Loras College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Loras College's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Loras College earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 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 Loras 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 Loras College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Loras College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (83% 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.