Buena Vista University vs. Tusculum University

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Tusculum University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,103 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Tusculum University is in Greeneville, TN (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Tusculum University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Tusculum University 18:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Tusculum University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Tusculum 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 Buena Vista University than Tusculum University ($19,704 vs. $20,355).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Tusculum University are 2.9% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,000 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 42.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Tusculum University (about $12,548 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $29,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Tusculum University (about $12,548 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $29,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Tusculum University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 44.8% larger than aid received by Tusculum University students ($34,397 vs. $23,759).

Buena Vista University vs. Tusculum University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 20 points higher than at Tusculum University (1010).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 19 at Tusculum University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Tusculum University 910/1110.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Tusculum University 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Tusculum University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Tusculum University (3.18).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Tusculum University (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 16.4% at Tusculum University.

Buena Vista University vs. Tusculum University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Tusculum 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 Tusculum University's (38%).
• Graduates from Tusculum University earn a median of about $700 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,900 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Tusculum University graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Tusculum University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Tusculum 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.