Buena Vista University vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Northland College in Ashland, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Northland College 5:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Northland College? 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 Northland College ($19,704 vs. $23,253).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 2.3% lower than at Northland College ($11,330 vs. $11,600).
• Northland College is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buena Vista University (about $2,605 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Northland College than at Buena Vista University (about $2,605 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Northland College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 2.5% larger than aid received by Northland College students ($34,397 vs. $33,572).

Buena Vista University vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (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 Northland College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Northland College (3.3).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Northland College (75%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

Buena Vista University vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Northland College? 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 Northland College's (48%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $6,300 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,921 lower median loan debt than Northland College graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,943).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $30 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northland College graduates ($248 vs. $278).
• More Northland College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (73% 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.