Buena Vista University vs. McPherson College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than McPherson College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 878 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); McPherson College is in McPherson, KS (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. McPherson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; McPherson College 16:1.

Buena Vista University vs. McPherson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or McPherson 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 McPherson College ($19,704 vs. $27,110).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 1.5% lower than at McPherson College ($11,330 vs. $11,498).
• Buena Vista University is 12% more expensive for in-state tuition than McPherson College (about $4,488 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,310.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12% higher at Buena Vista University than at McPherson College (about $4,488 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,310.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at McPherson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 46.3% larger than aid received by McPherson College students ($34,397 vs. $23,513).

Buena Vista University vs. McPherson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at McPherson College (1080) is 50 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at McPherson College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; McPherson College 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; McPherson College 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; McPherson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: McPherson College Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at McPherson College (3.33).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than McPherson College (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 22.4% at McPherson College.

Buena Vista University vs. McPherson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than McPherson College's (46%).
• Graduates from McPherson College earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,200 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,978 lower median loan debt than McPherson College graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than McPherson College graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More McPherson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.