Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University

Comparable Facts

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

Maharishi International University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (2,592 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Maharishi International University is in Fairfield, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Maharishi International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Maharishi International University 13:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Maharishi International University? 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 Maharishi International University than Buena Vista University ($16,281 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Maharishi International University are 34.7% lower than at Buena Vista University ($7,400 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 152.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Maharishi International University (about $25,268 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 152.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Maharishi International University (about $25,268 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $16,530.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Maharishi International University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 199.2% larger than aid received by Maharishi International University students ($34,397 vs. $11,496).

Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Maharishi International University? 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 Maharishi International University 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; Maharishi International University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Maharishi International University Jul 30, 2027.
• Maharishi International University has a higher acceptance rate (95.7%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 75.3% at Maharishi International University.

Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Maharishi International University? 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 Maharishi International University's (50%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than Maharishi International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $29,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $15,015 lower median loan debt than Maharishi International University graduates ($24,022 vs. $39,037).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $155 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Maharishi International University graduates ($248 vs. $403).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Maharishi International University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 56%)

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.