Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University

Should I go to Buena Vista University or Maharishi International University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Buena Vista University or Maharishi International University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University comparison
Buena Vista University Maharishi International University College 3 College 4
Buena Vista University
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Overview

Buena Vista University Maharishi International University
Location Storm Lake, IA Fairfield, IA
Setting Remote Town Remote Town
Enrollment 1,951 2,666
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #719
Religious Affiliation Presbyterian Church (USA) - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website bvu.edu mum.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Buena Vista University Maharishi International University
Tuition (In State) $40,190 $16,000
Tuition (Out of State) $40,190 $16,000
Room & Board $10,896 $7,400
Avg Net Price $18,156 $18,875
Avg Grant Aid $34,333 $9,855
% Receiving Grant Aid 99% 100%

Admission

Buena Vista University Maharishi International University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 1,544 129
Admitted 1,108 125
Acceptance Rate 71.8% 96.9%
Enrolled % 19.6% 50.4%
Avg High School GPA 3.49 -
Typical High School Grades B+ -
Admissions Standards Very Easy Unavailable
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 20/24
SAT Range 930/1130
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind)
Application Deadline Jul 30, 2026

Academics

Buena Vista University Maharishi International University
Student to Faculty Ratio 13:1 13:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (34%)
  • General Studies (18%)
  • Education (14%)
  • Psychology (11%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
  • Communication (29%)
  • Natural Resources Conservation (25%)
  • Business (12%)
  • Biology (11%)
  • Mathematics (9%)

Outcomes

Buena Vista University Maharishi International University
Graduation Rate 55% 50%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $41,200 $29,300
Making Student Loan Payments 59% 56%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,022 $39,037
Median Loan Payment $248 $403

Diversity

Buena Vista University Maharishi International University
% Men 4% 40%
% Women 22% 31%
Racial Diversity Very Low Very High
HBCU No No
% White 80% 40%
% Black 1% 7%
% Hispanic 4% 8%
% Native American 1% 1%
% Pacific Islander 0% 1%
% Two or More Races 1% 3%
% International 4% 38%
% Unknown Race 7% 0%

Students

Buena Vista University Maharishi International University
% In-State 74% 0%
% Out-of-State 26% 100%

Campus

Buena Vista University Maharishi International University
Campus Housing Yes No
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No No
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Maharishi International University is larger than than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (2,666 students vs. 1,951 students)

Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Maharishi International University?

  • Buena Vista University is 151.2% more expensive to attend than Maharishi International University for in-state tuition ($40,190.00 vs. $16,000.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 151.2% higher at Buena Vista University than Maharishi International University ($40,190.00 vs. $16,000.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Buena Vista University than Maharishi International University ($18,156 vs. $18,875)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Maharishi International University are 47.2% lower than costs at Buena Vista University ($7,400 vs. $10,896)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Maharishi International University than Buena Vista University (100% vs. 99%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 248.4% larger than aid received Maharishi International University ($34,333 vs. $9,855)

Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Maharishi International University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Maharishi International University or Buena Vista University .

  • Maharishi International University has a higher acceptance rate (96.9%) than Buena Vista University (71.8%)

Buena Vista University vs. Maharishi International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Buena Vista University or Maharishi International University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Maharishi International University and Buena Vista University.

  • The graduation rate at Buena Vista University is higher than Maharishi International University (55% vs. 50%)
  • Graduates from Buena Vista University earn on average $11,900 more per year than Maharishi International University graduates after ten years. ($41,200 vs. $29,300)
  • Buena Vista University students graduate with a $15,015 lower median federal student loan debt than Maharishi International University graduates. ($24,022 vs. $39,037)
  • Buena Vista University graduates are paying $155 less per month on federal student loans 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/