Buena Vista University vs. Northwest

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwest Missouri State University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (9,152 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Northwest Missouri State University is in Maryville, MO (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwest Missouri State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Northwest Missouri State University 16:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Northwest Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Northwest? 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 Northwest Missouri State University than Buena Vista University ($16,790 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 7.8% lower than at Northwest Missouri State University ($11,330 vs. $12,282).
• Buena Vista University is 293.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwest (about $31,187 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,611.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 141.3% higher at Buena Vista University than at Northwest Missouri State University (about $24,474 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $17,324.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Northwest Missouri State University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 277.9% larger than aid received by Northwest Missouri State University students ($34,397 vs. $9,101).

Buena Vista University vs. Northwest Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwest Missouri State University (1080) is 50 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 Northwest).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Northwest Missouri State University 976/1193.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Northwest Missouri State University 19/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Northwest - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Northwest (3.45).
• Northwest has a higher acceptance rate (86.1%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 22.2% at Northwest.

Buena Vista University vs. Northwest Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Northwest? 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 Northwest Missouri State University's (49%).
• Graduates of Buena Vista University and Northwest have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $41,200), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $978 lower median loan debt than Northwest graduates ($24,022 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northwest graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Northwest 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.