Buena Vista University vs. Metropolitan State University

Should I go to Buena Vista University or Metropolitan State University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Buena Vista University or Metropolitan State 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. Metropolitan State University comparison
Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University College 3 College 4
Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University
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Overview

Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University
Location Storm Lake, IA Saint Paul, MN
Setting Remote Town Large City
Enrollment 1,973 6,294
Type Private 4 Year Public 4 Year
National Ranking #714
Religious Affiliation Presbyterian Church (USA) - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website bvu.edu metrostate.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University
Tuition (In State) $38,644 $8,571
Tuition (Out of State) $38,644 $8,571
Room & Board $10,680 $11,644
Avg Net Price $19,204 $19,347
Avg Grant Aid $33,703 $8,322
% Receiving Grant Aid 100% 100%

Admission

Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 1,562 612
Admitted 1,207 500
Acceptance Rate 77.3% 81.7%
Enrolled % 19.6% 26.2%
Avg High School GPA 3.49 -
Typical High School Grades B+ -
Admissions Standards Very Easy Unavailable
Applicant Competition
ACT Range 20/24
SAT Range 930/1130
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional) Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 1, 2025

Academics

Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University
Student to Faculty Ratio 12:1 14:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (34%)
  • General Studies (18%)
  • Education (14%)
  • Psychology (11%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
  • Business (33%)
  • General Studies (13%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (11%)
  • Health Professions (11%)
  • Psychology (6%)

Outcomes

Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University
Graduation Rate 55% 29%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $41,200 $49,200
Making Student Loan Payments 59% 57%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,022 $17,992
Median Loan Payment $248 $186

Diversity

Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University
% Men 30% 42%
% Women 70% 58%
Racial Diversity Very Low High
HBCU No No
% White 80% 54%
% Black 1% 20%
% Hispanic 4% 5%
% Native American 1% 1%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 1% 4%
% International 4% 2%
% Unknown Race 7% 1%

Students

Buena Vista University Metropolitan State University
% In-State 58% 99%
% Out-of-State 41% 1%

Campus

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

Comparable Facts

  • Metropolitan State University is larger than than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (6,294 students vs. 1,973 students)

Buena Vista University vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Metropolitan State University?

  • Buena Vista University is 350.9% more expensive to attend than Metropolitan State University for in-state tuition ($38,644.00 vs. $8,571.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 350.9% higher at Buena Vista University than Metropolitan State University ($38,644.00 vs. $8,571.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Buena Vista University than Metropolitan State University ($19,204 vs. $19,347)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 9% lower than costs at Metropolitan State University ($10,680 vs. $11,644)
  • The same percent of students receive financial grant aid at Buena Vista University as Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 100%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 305% larger than aid received Metropolitan State University ($33,703 vs. $8,322)

Buena Vista University vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions Difficulty Comparison

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

  • Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (81.7%) than Buena Vista University (77.3%)

Buena Vista University vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Buena Vista University or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University and Buena Vista University.

  • The graduation rate at Buena Vista University is higher than Metropolitan State University (55% vs. 29%)
  • Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn on average $8,000 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates after ten years. ($49,200 vs. $41,200)
  • Metropolitan State University students graduate with a $6,030 lower median federal student loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates. ($17,992 vs. $24,022)
  • Metropolitan State University graduates are paying $62 less per month on federal student loans than Buena Vista University graduates. ($186 vs. $248)
  • More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Metropolitan State University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 57%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/