Buena Vista University vs. Metropolitan State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Metropolitan State University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (6,660 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Metropolitan State University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Metropolitan State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Metropolitan State University 15:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Metropolitan State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University than Buena Vista University ($16,615 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 28.6% lower than at Metropolitan State University ($11,330 vs. $15,864).
• Buena Vista University is 324.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Metropolitan State University (about $31,958 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 324.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at Metropolitan State University (about $31,958 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $9,840.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Metropolitan State University (100% vs. 82%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 302.9% larger than aid received by Metropolitan State University students ($34,397 vs. $8,538).

Buena Vista University vs. Metropolitan State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State 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; Metropolitan State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Metropolitan State University Aug 1, 2027.
• Metropolitan State University has a higher acceptance rate (98.7%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 33.8% at Metropolitan State University.

Buena Vista University vs. Metropolitan State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Metropolitan State 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 Metropolitan State University's (29%).
• Graduates from Metropolitan State University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have a $6,030 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($17,992 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Metropolitan State University graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment 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/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.