Buena Vista University vs. SC

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 694 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Sterling College is in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Sterling College 8:1.

Buena Vista University vs. SC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or SC? 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 SC ($19,704 vs. $23,531).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 15.4% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,586 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 24% more expensive for in-state tuition than SC (about $8,098 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $33,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24% higher at Buena Vista University than at Sterling College (about $8,098 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $33,700.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Sterling College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 45.3% larger than aid received by Sterling College students ($34,397 vs. $23,673).

Buena Vista University vs. SC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is the same as at SC (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at SC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Sterling College 938/1123.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Sterling College 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; SC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at SC (3.46).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than SC (48.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 30.4% at SC.

Buena Vista University vs. SC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and SC? 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 Sterling College's (48%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than SC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $641 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($24,022 vs. $24,663).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($248 vs. $255).
• More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.