Buena Vista University vs. North Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with North Central University in Minneapolis, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than North Central University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 852 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); North Central University is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. North Central University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; North Central University 14:1.

Buena Vista University vs. North Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or North Central 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 North Central University ($19,704 vs. $26,363).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at North Central University are 11.3% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,054 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 29.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Central University (about $9,578 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $32,220.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 29.7% higher at Buena Vista University than at North Central University (about $9,578 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $32,220.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at North Central University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 89.9% larger than aid received by North Central University students ($34,397 vs. $18,112).

Buena Vista University vs. North Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or North Central 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 North Central University and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at North Central University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at North Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; North Central University 950/1148.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; North Central University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; North Central University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Central University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at North Central University (3.4).
• North Central University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 29.6% at North Central University.

Buena Vista University vs. North Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and North Central 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 North Central University's (40%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than North Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $33,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $978 lower median loan debt than North Central University graduates ($24,022 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Central University graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More North Central University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.