Buena Vista University vs. University of St. Mary

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than University of St. Mary based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,462 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); University of Saint Mary is in Leavenworth, KS (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Saint Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; University of Saint Mary 11:1.

Buena Vista University vs. University of St. Mary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or University of St. Mary ? 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 University of St. Mary ($19,704 vs. $23,020).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Saint Mary are 8.8% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,328 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 18.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of St. Mary (about $6,418 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $35,380.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.1% higher at Buena Vista University than at University of Saint Mary (about $6,418 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $35,380.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at University of Saint Mary (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 33.7% larger than aid received by University of Saint Mary students ($34,397 vs. $25,726).

Buena Vista University vs. University of St. Mary Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or University of St. Mary ? 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 University of St. Mary and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 110 points higher than at University of St. Mary (920).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at University of St. Mary ).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; University of Saint Mary 806/1028.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; University of Saint Mary 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; University of St. Mary - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at University of St. Mary (3.36).
• University of St. Mary has a higher acceptance rate (86.6%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 20.7% at University of St. Mary .

Buena Vista University vs. University of St. Mary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and University of St. Mary ? 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 University of Saint Mary's (42%).
• Graduates of Buena Vista University and University of St. Mary have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $41,200), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Saint Mary graduates have a $272 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($23,750 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, University of St. Mary graduates have an estimated $3 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($245 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of St. Mary 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.