Buena Vista University vs. Wartburg College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Wartburg College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Wartburg College is in Waverly, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wartburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Wartburg College 13:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Wartburg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Wartburg College? 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 Wartburg College ($19,704 vs. $24,031).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 3.6% lower than at Wartburg College ($11,330 vs. $11,750).
• Buena Vista University is 59.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $15,548 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.2% higher at Buena Vista University than at Wartburg College (about $15,548 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Wartburg College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 17.3% larger than aid received by Buena Vista University students ($40,336 vs. $34,397).

Buena Vista University vs. Wartburg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wartburg College (1070) is 40 points higher than at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Wartburg College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Buena Vista University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Wartburg College 930/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Wartburg College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Wartburg College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Wartburg College (3.48).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Wartburg College (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 16.6% at Wartburg College.

Buena Vista University vs. Wartburg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wartburg College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Wartburg College earn a median of about $6,900 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,100 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Wartburg College graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wartburg College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.