Buena Vista University vs. Park University

Comparable Facts

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

Park University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (5,736 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Park University is in Parkville, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Park University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Park University 13:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Park University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Park 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 Park University than Buena Vista University ($19,519 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Park University are 18.9% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,190 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 138.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Park University (about $24,298 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 138.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at Park University (about $24,298 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $17,500.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Park University (100% vs. 93%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 250.3% larger than aid received by Park University students ($34,397 vs. $9,820).

Buena Vista University vs. Park University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Park 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 Park 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; Park University - Not reported.
• Typical fall application deadline: Park University Aug 1, 2027.

Buena Vista University vs. Park University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Park 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).

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Park University's (39%).
• Graduates from Park University earn a median of about $8,400 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Park University graduates have a $4,522 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Park University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment 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/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.