Buena Vista University vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Northwestern Health Sciences University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,101 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Northwestern Health Sciences University is in Bloomington, MN (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwestern Health Sciences University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Northwestern Health Sciences University 6:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Northwestern Health Sciences 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 Northwestern Health Sciences University ($19,704 vs. $36,272).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 24.3% lower than at Northwestern Health Sciences University ($11,330 vs. $14,962).
• Buena Vista University is 247.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern Health Sciences University (about $29,783 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $12,015.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 247.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Northwestern Health Sciences University (about $29,783 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $12,015.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Northwestern Health Sciences University (100% vs. 50%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 857.9% larger than aid received by Northwestern Health Sciences University students ($34,397 vs. $3,591).

Buena Vista University vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Northwestern Health Sciences 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 Northwestern Health Sciences University and Buena Vista University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Northwestern Health Sciences University - Not reported.

Buena Vista University vs. Northwestern Health Sciences University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Northwestern Health Sciences 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).

• Graduates from Northwestern Health Sciences University earn a median of about $12,400 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates have a $15,722 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($8,300 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates have an estimated $163 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($85 vs. $248).
• More Northwestern Health Sciences University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.