Buena Vista University vs. MidAmerica Nazarene University

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than MidAmerica Nazarene University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,538 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); MidAmerica Nazarene University is in Olathe, KS (Large Suburban setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; MidAmerica Nazarene University 11:1.

Buena Vista University vs. MidAmerica Nazarene University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or MidAmerica Nazarene 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 Buena Vista University than MidAmerica Nazarene University ($19,704 vs. $32,081).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 1.9% lower than at MidAmerica Nazarene University ($11,330 vs. $11,554).
• Buena Vista University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MidAmerica Nazarene University (about $4,624 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,174.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at Buena Vista University than at MidAmerica Nazarene University (about $4,624 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,174.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at MidAmerica Nazarene University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 37.6% larger than aid received by MidAmerica Nazarene University students ($34,397 vs. $25,002).

Buena Vista University vs. MidAmerica Nazarene University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or MidAmerica Nazarene 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 MidAmerica Nazarene University and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 10 points higher than at MidAmerica Nazarene University (1020).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at MidAmerica Nazarene University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; MidAmerica Nazarene University 950/1090.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; MidAmerica Nazarene University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; MidAmerica Nazarene University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at MidAmerica Nazarene University (3.28).
• MidAmerica Nazarene University has a higher acceptance rate (78.8%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 26.4% at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Buena Vista University vs. MidAmerica Nazarene University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and MidAmerica Nazarene 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 MidAmerica Nazarene University's (44%).
• Graduates from MidAmerica Nazarene University earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates have a $5,272 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($18,750 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates have an estimated $55 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($193 vs. $248).
• More MidAmerica Nazarene University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.