Buena Vista University vs. OC Comets

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with The University of Olivet in Olivet, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than OC Comets based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 979 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); The University of Olivet is in Olivet, MI (Distant Rural setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. The University of Olivet is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; The University of Olivet 17:1.

Buena Vista University vs. OC Comets Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or OC Comets? 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 The University of Olivet than Buena Vista University ($19,362 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 9.8% lower than at The University of Olivet ($11,330 vs. $12,567).
• Buena Vista University is 22.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than OC Comets (about $7,730 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,068.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.7% higher at Buena Vista University than at The University of Olivet (about $7,730 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,068.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at The University of Olivet (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 23.5% larger than aid received by The University of Olivet students ($34,397 vs. $27,858).

Buena Vista University vs. OC Comets Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 10 points higher than at OC Comets (1020).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at OC Comets).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; The University of Olivet 910/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; The University of Olivet 18/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; OC Comets - Test-free.
• OC Comets has a higher acceptance rate (83.2%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 20.4% at OC Comets.

Buena Vista University vs. OC Comets Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and OC Comets? 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 The University of Olivet's (46%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $1,900 more per year than OC Comets graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $39,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than OC Comets graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than OC Comets graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OC Comets students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 53%)

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.