Buena Vista University vs. UW-Superior

Comparable Facts

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

University of Wisconsin Superior is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (2,833 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 Wisconsin Superior is in Superior, WI (Midsize Suburban setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Wisconsin Superior is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; University of Wisconsin Superior 18:1.

Buena Vista University vs. UW-Superior Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or UW-Superior? 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 Wisconsin Superior than Buena Vista University ($13,215 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Wisconsin Superior are 34% lower than at Buena Vista University ($7,476 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 374.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UW-Superior (about $32,986 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $8,812.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 149.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at University of Wisconsin Superior (about $25,072 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $16,726.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at University of Wisconsin Superior (100% vs. 67%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 515.9% larger than aid received by University of Wisconsin Superior students ($34,397 vs. $5,585).

Buena Vista University vs. UW-Superior Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or UW-Superior? 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 UW-Superior and Buena Vista University.

• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at UW-Superior).
• 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; University of Wisconsin Superior 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; UW-Superior - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: UW-Superior Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at UW-Superior (3.32).
• UW-Superior has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 19.3% at UW-Superior.

Buena Vista University vs. UW-Superior Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and UW-Superior? 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 Wisconsin Superior's (44%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $3,500 more per year than UW-Superior graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $37,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Wisconsin Superior graduates have a $1,022 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($23,000 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, UW-Superior graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($237 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UW-Superior 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.