Buena Vista University vs. Mount Marty University

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Mount Marty University in Yankton, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Mount Marty University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,284 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Mount Marty University is in Yankton, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount Marty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Mount Marty University 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Mount Marty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Mount Marty 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 Mount Marty University ($19,704 vs. $22,242).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mount Marty University are 13.5% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,800 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 20.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mount Marty University (about $7,198 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at Mount Marty University (about $7,198 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Mount Marty University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 31.8% larger than aid received by Mount Marty University students ($34,397 vs. $26,097).

Buena Vista University vs. Mount Marty University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Mount Marty 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 Mount Marty University and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 100 points higher than at Mount Marty University (930).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Mount Marty University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Mount Marty University 810/1050.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Mount Marty University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Mount Marty University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Mount Marty University (3.35).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Mount Marty University (42.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 22.8% at Mount Marty University.

Buena Vista University vs. Mount Marty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Mount Marty 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 Mount Marty University's (51%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Mount Marty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Mount Marty University graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Mount Marty University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Mount Marty University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.