Buena Vista University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Southwest Minnesota State University is in Marshall, MN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Southwest Minnesota State University 16:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Southwest Minnesota State 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 Southwest Minnesota State University than Buena Vista University ($15,547 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 2.7% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,028 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 303.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $31,437 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 303.4% higher at Buena Vista University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $31,437 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 296.6% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($34,397 vs. $8,674).

Buena Vista University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Southwest Minnesota State 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 Southwest Minnesota State University and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 10 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Southwest Minnesota State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Buena Vista University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Southwest Minnesota State 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 Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates of Buena Vista University and Southwest Minnesota State University have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $41,200), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $2,344 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($21,678 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $24 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($224 vs. $248).
• More Southwest Minnesota State University 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.