Buena Vista University vs. Park University

Should I go to Buena Vista University or Park University? Compare 50+ facts and figures about the colleges to help you determine if Buena Vista University or Park University is the better college for you. The CollegeSimply comparison tool allows side-by-side comparison of 50+ statistics and facts for over 2,500 colleges and universities.

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Buena Vista University vs. Park University comparison
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Buena Vista University
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Overview

Buena Vista University Park University
Location Storm Lake, IA Parkville, MO
Setting Remote Town Large Suburban
Enrollment 1,951 6,634
Type Private 4 Year Private 4 Year
National Ranking #719
Religious Affiliation Presbyterian Church (USA) - - -
Status Non-profit Non-profit
Website bvu.edu park.edu
Team Colors                    

Costs

Buena Vista University Park University
Tuition (In State) $40,190 $15,500
Tuition (Out of State) $40,190 $15,500
Room & Board $10,896 $8,978
Avg Net Price $18,156 $15,637
Avg Grant Aid $34,333 $7,979
% Receiving Grant Aid 99% 89%

Admission

Buena Vista University Park University
Admission Chances Calculate Calculate
Applied 1,544 -
Admitted 1,108 -
Acceptance Rate 71.8%
Enrolled % 19.6%
Avg High School GPA 3.49 -
Typical High School Grades B+ -
Admissions Standards Very Easy Unavailable
Applicant Competition Low
ACT Range 20/24
SAT Range 930/1130
Submit Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
Application Deadline Aug 1, 2026

Academics

Buena Vista University Park University
Student to Faculty Ratio 13:1 13:1
Popular Majors
  • Business (34%)
  • General Studies (18%)
  • Education (14%)
  • Psychology (11%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
  • Business (58%)
  • Psychology (16%)
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (9%)
  • Health Professions (6%)
  • Computer and Information Sciences (3%)

Outcomes

Buena Vista University Park University
Graduation Rate 55% 39%
Median Earnings (After 10 years) $41,200 $49,600
Making Student Loan Payments 59% 52%
Median Student Loan Debt $24,022 $19,500
Median Loan Payment $248 $201

Diversity

Buena Vista University Park University
% Men 4% 9%
% Women 22% 10%
Racial Diversity Very Low Very High
HBCU No No
% White 80% 49%
% Black 1% 19%
% Hispanic 4% 15%
% Native American 1% 1%
% Pacific Islander 0% 0%
% Two or More Races 1% 3%
% International 4% 3%
% Unknown Race 7% 8%

Students

Buena Vista University Park University
% In-State 74% 28%
% Out-of-State 26% 42%

Campus

Buena Vista University Park University
Campus Housing Yes Yes
Freshman Dorm Required No No
Meal Plan Yes Yes
Weekend/Evening Classes No Yes
Daycare Facility No No
Learn More Details Details

Comparable Facts

  • Park University is larger than than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (6,634 students vs. 1,951 students)

Buena Vista University vs. Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Park University?

  • Buena Vista University is 159.3% more expensive to attend than Park University for in-state tuition ($40,190.00 vs. $15,500.00)
  • Out of state tuition is 159.3% higher at Buena Vista University than Park University ($40,190.00 vs. $15,500.00)
  • The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Park University than Buena Vista University ($15,637 vs. $18,156)
  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Park University are 21.4% lower than costs at Buena Vista University ($8,978 vs. $10,896)
  • More students receive financial grant aid at Buena Vista University than Park University (99% vs. 89%)
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 330.3% larger than aid received Park University ($34,333 vs. $7,979)

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Park University? Average SAT and ACT scores plus acceptance rates offer good insight into the difficulty of admission between Park University or Buena Vista University .

Buena Vista University vs. Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

Which is better, Buena Vista University or Park University? Graduation rate, salary and amount of student loan debt are indicators of a college which offers better outcomes for its graduates. Compare the following outcomes facts between Park University and Buena Vista University.

  • The graduation rate at Buena Vista University is higher than Park University (55% vs. 39%)
  • Graduates from Park University earn on average $8,400 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates after ten years. ($49,600 vs. $41,200)
  • Park University students graduate with a $4,522 lower median federal student loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates. ($19,500 vs. $24,022)
  • Park University graduates are paying $47 less per month on federal student loans than Buena Vista University graduates. ($201 vs. $248)
  • More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Park University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 52%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/