Buena Vista University vs. RMC

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Rocky Mountain College in Billings, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than RMC based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,032 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Rocky Mountain College is in Billings, MT (Midsize City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Rocky Mountain College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Rocky Mountain College 14:1.

Buena Vista University vs. RMC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or RMC? 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 RMC ($19,704 vs. $20,791).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rocky Mountain College are 10.4% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,152 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 17.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than RMC (about $6,216 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $35,582.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Rocky Mountain College (about $6,216 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $35,582.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Rocky Mountain College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 34.8% larger than aid received by Rocky Mountain College students ($34,397 vs. $25,508).

Buena Vista University vs. RMC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 20 points higher than at RMC (1010).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at RMC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Rocky Mountain College 893/1133.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Rocky Mountain College 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; RMC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at RMC (3.42).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than RMC (69.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 28.6% at RMC.

Buena Vista University vs. RMC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and RMC? 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 Rocky Mountain College's (50%).
• Graduates from Rocky Mountain College earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,978 lower median loan debt than RMC graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than RMC graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More RMC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.