Buena Vista University vs. UIU

Comparable Facts

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

Upper Iowa University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (3,941 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Upper Iowa University is in Fayette, IA (Remote Rural setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Upper Iowa University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Upper Iowa University 25:1.

Buena Vista University vs. UIU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or UIU? 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 UIU ($19,704 vs. $20,426).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Upper Iowa University are 10.7% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,121 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 114.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than UIU (about $22,323 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 114.6% higher at Buena Vista University than at Upper Iowa University (about $22,323 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $19,475.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Upper Iowa University (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 153% larger than aid received by Upper Iowa University students ($34,397 vs. $13,596).

Buena Vista University vs. UIU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Upper Iowa University (1070) is 40 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 17 at UIU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Upper Iowa University 970/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Upper Iowa University 14/21.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; UIU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at UIU (3.34).
• UIU has a higher acceptance rate (96.5%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 33.9% at UIU.

Buena Vista University vs. UIU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and UIU? 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 Upper Iowa University's (45%).
• Graduates from Upper Iowa University earn a median of about $900 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,100 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Upper Iowa University graduates have a $22 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Upper Iowa University and Buena Vista University graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($248 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UIU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 50%)

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.