Buena Vista University vs. Washburn University

Comparable Facts

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

Washburn University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (6,033 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Washburn University is in Topeka, KS (Midsize City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washburn University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Washburn University 15:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Washburn University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Washburn University? 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 Washburn University than Buena Vista University ($11,488 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 1.5% lower than at Washburn University ($11,330 vs. $11,501).
• Buena Vista University is 320.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Washburn University (about $31,853 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $9,945.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 99.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Washburn University (about $20,849 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $20,949.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Washburn University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 251.7% larger than aid received by Washburn University students ($34,397 vs. $9,781).

Buena Vista University vs. Washburn University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Washburn University? 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 Washburn University 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; Washburn University - Not reported.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Washburn University (3.46).

Buena Vista University vs. Washburn University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Washburn University? 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 Washburn University's (37%).
• Graduates from Washburn University earn a median of about $1,100 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washburn University graduates have a $7,122 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($16,900 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Washburn University graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($174 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Washburn University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 49%)

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.