Buena Vista University vs. Union Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Union Adventist University in Lincoln, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Union Adventist University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 729 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Union Adventist University is in Lincoln, NE (Large City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Union Adventist University 8:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Union Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Union Adventist 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 Union Adventist University ($19,704 vs. $24,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union Adventist University are 25.3% lower than at Buena Vista University ($8,460 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 42.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union Adventist University (about $12,464 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $29,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Union Adventist University (about $12,464 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $29,334.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Union Adventist University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 98.3% larger than aid received by Union Adventist University students ($34,397 vs. $17,346).

Buena Vista University vs. Union Adventist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union Adventist University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Union Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Union Adventist University 980/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Union Adventist University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Union Adventist University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Union Adventist University (3.44).
• Union Adventist University has a higher acceptance rate (100%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 12.3% at Union Adventist University.

Buena Vista University vs. Union Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Union Adventist 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 Union Adventist University's (33%).
• Graduates from Union Adventist University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,200 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 Union Adventist 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 Union Adventist University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 58%)

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.