Buena Vista University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Northern State University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (3,708 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Northern State University 19:1.

Buena Vista University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or NSU? 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 Northern State University than Buena Vista University ($15,990 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northern State University are 6.4% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,600 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 372.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $32,953 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 249.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Northern State University (about $29,851 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Northern State University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 434% larger than aid received by Northern State University students ($34,397 vs. $6,441).

Buena Vista University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northern State University (1070) is 40 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 NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Northern State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Northern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; NSU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at NSU (3.37).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 35.2% at NSU.

Buena Vista University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and NSU? 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 Northern State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $377 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($24,022 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($248 vs. $252).
• More NSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.