Buena Vista University vs. University of Providence

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with University of Providence in Great Falls, MT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than University of Providence based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 763 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); University of Providence is in Great Falls, MT (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Providence is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; University of Providence 9:1.

Buena Vista University vs. University of Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or University of Providence? 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 University of Providence than Buena Vista University ($16,598 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Providence are 0.4% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,284 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 37.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Providence (about $11,350 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $30,448.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.3% higher at Buena Vista University than at University of Providence (about $11,350 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $30,448.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at University of Providence (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 30.4% larger than aid received by University of Providence students ($34,397 vs. $26,370).

Buena Vista University vs. University of Providence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or University of Providence? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Providence and Buena Vista University.

• University of Providence reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 40 points higher than at University of Providence (990).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 20 at University of Providence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Buena Vista University 930/1130; University of Providence 845/1135.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Buena Vista University 20/24; University of Providence 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; University of Providence - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Providence Aug 5, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at University of Providence (3.3).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than University of Providence (50.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 50.3% at University of Providence.

Buena Vista University vs. University of Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and University of Providence? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than University of Providence's (29%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than University of Providence graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $36,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $978 lower median loan debt than University of Providence graduates ($24,022 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Providence graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Providence students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 57%)

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.