Buena Vista University vs. University of Sioux Falls

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than University of Sioux Falls based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,450 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Buena Vista University vs. University of Sioux Falls Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or University of Sioux Falls? 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 Sioux Falls ($19,704 vs. $21,385).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Sioux Falls are 18.2% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,270 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 92.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Sioux Falls (about $20,048 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.2% higher at Buena Vista University than at University of Sioux Falls (about $20,048 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $21,750.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at University of Sioux Falls (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 169.1% larger than aid received by University of Sioux Falls students ($34,397 vs. $12,782).

Buena Vista University vs. University of Sioux Falls Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; University of Sioux Falls - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman University of Sioux Falls students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• University of Sioux Falls has a higher acceptance rate (82.9%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 15.3% at University of Sioux Falls.

Buena Vista University vs. University of Sioux Falls Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and University of Sioux Falls? 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 Sioux Falls's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from University of Sioux Falls earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,400 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Sioux Falls graduates have a $1,272 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($22,750 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, University of Sioux Falls graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($235 vs. $248).
• More University of Sioux Falls graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.