Buena Vista University vs. Madison College

Comparable Facts

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

Madison Area Technical College is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (13,641 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Madison Area Technical College is in Madison, WI (Midsize City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Madison Area Technical College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Madison Area Technical College 14:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Madison College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Madison 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 Madison Area Technical College than Buena Vista University ($13,284 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 36.2% lower than at Madison Area Technical College ($11,330 vs. $17,760).
• Buena Vista University is 739.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Madison College (about $36,821 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $4,977.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 476.1% higher at Buena Vista University than at Madison Area Technical College (about $34,543 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $7,255.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Madison Area Technical College (100% vs. 36%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 485.8% larger than aid received by Madison Area Technical College students ($34,397 vs. $5,872).

Buena Vista University vs. Madison College Admissions comparison

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

• Madison Area Technical College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; Madison College - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Madison College Sep 30, 2026.

Buena Vista University vs. Madison College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than Madison College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $37,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Madison Area Technical College graduates have a $11,022 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($13,000 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Madison College graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($134 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Madison College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 46%)

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.