Buena Vista University vs. WSC

Comparable Facts

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

Wayne State College is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (4,666 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Wayne State College is in Wayne, NE (Rural Fringe setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State College is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Wayne State College 19:1.

Buena Vista University vs. WSC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or WSC? 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 Wayne State College than Buena Vista University ($16,060 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State College are 10.5% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,142 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 408.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSC (about $33,582 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $8,216.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 408.7% higher at Buena Vista University than at Wayne State College (about $33,582 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $8,216.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Wayne State College (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 427.8% larger than aid received by Wayne State College students ($34,397 vs. $6,517).

Buena Vista University vs. WSC Admissions comparison

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

• Wayne State College reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; WSC - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at WSC (3.36).

Buena Vista University vs. WSC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and WSC? 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 Wayne State College's (51%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than WSC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wayne State College graduates have a $3,972 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($20,050 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, WSC graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($207 vs. $248).
• More WSC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.