Buena Vista University vs. OU

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than OU based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 999 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Ottawa University Ottawa is in Ottawa, KS (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Ottawa University Ottawa is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Ottawa University Ottawa 12:1.

Buena Vista University vs. OU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or OU? 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 OU ($19,704 vs. $28,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 17% lower than at Ottawa University Ottawa ($11,330 vs. $13,646).
• Buena Vista University is 16.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than OU (about $5,918 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $35,880.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Ottawa University Ottawa (about $5,918 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $35,880.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Ottawa University Ottawa (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 45.2% larger than aid received by Ottawa University Ottawa students ($34,397 vs. $23,692).

Buena Vista University vs. OU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 150 points higher than at OU (880).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at OU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Ottawa University Ottawa 750/1000.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Ottawa University Ottawa 16/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; OU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at OU (3.12).
• OU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 14.1% at OU.

Buena Vista University vs. OU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and OU? 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 Ottawa University Ottawa's (47%).
• Graduates from Ottawa University Ottawa earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ottawa University Ottawa graduates have a $2,147 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($21,875 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, OU graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($226 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former OU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 46%)

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.