Buena Vista University vs. MBC

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than MBC based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,772 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Mary Baldwin University is in Staunton, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mary Baldwin University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Mary Baldwin University 15:1.

Buena Vista University vs. MBC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University than Buena Vista University ($17,810 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 0.7% lower than at Mary Baldwin University ($11,330 vs. $11,411).
• Buena Vista University is 22.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MBC (about $7,646 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.4% higher at Buena Vista University than at Mary Baldwin University (about $7,646 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,152.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Mary Baldwin University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 22.3% larger than aid received by Mary Baldwin University students ($34,397 vs. $28,135).

Buena Vista University vs. MBC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is the same as at MBC (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at MBC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Mary Baldwin University 940/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Mary Baldwin University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; MBC - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman MBC students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).

Buena Vista University vs. MBC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and MBC? 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 Mary Baldwin University's (49%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than MBC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than MBC graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MBC graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MBC students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 53%)

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.