Buena Vista University vs. UNI

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); University of Northern Iowa is in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; University of Northern Iowa 18:1.

Buena Vista University vs. UNI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or UNI? 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 Northern Iowa than Buena Vista University ($16,437 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 11.9% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,986 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 320.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $31,862 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $20,086 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 486.5% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($34,397 vs. $5,865).

Buena Vista University vs. UNI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 120 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at UNI (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; University of Northern Iowa 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; UNI - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 31.1% at UNI.

Buena Vista University vs. UNI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and UNI? 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).

• University of Northern Iowa's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $6,500 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $3,397 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($20,625 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($213 vs. $248).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.