Buena Vista University vs. MIAD

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than MIAD based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 838 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 11:1.

Buena Vista University vs. MIAD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or MIAD? 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 MIAD ($19,704 vs. $27,579).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design are 3.3% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,955 vs. $11,330).
• Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design is 4.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buena Vista University (about $1,945 more per year; $43,743.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.7% higher at MIAD than at Buena Vista University (about $1,945 more per year; $43,743.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 32.2% larger than aid received by Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students ($34,397 vs. $26,015).

Buena Vista University vs. MIAD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (1040) is 10 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming MIAD students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Buena Vista University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 940/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 20/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; MIAD - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: MIAD Aug 31, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at MIAD (3.08).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than MIAD (60.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 33.2% at MIAD.

Buena Vista University vs. MIAD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and MIAD? 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).

• Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than MIAD graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $36,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than MIAD graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than MIAD graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More MIAD graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.