Buena Vista University vs. WWU

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with William Woods University in Fulton, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

William Woods University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (2,046 students vs. 1,890 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); William Woods University is in Fulton, MO (Distant Town setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. William Woods University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; William Woods University 16:1.

Buena Vista University vs. WWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or WWU? 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 WWU ($19,704 vs. $27,092).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 13.2% lower than at William Woods University ($11,330 vs. $13,050).
• Buena Vista University is 37.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WWU (about $11,458 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $30,340.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 37.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at William Woods University (about $11,458 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $30,340.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at William Woods University (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 54.9% larger than aid received by William Woods University students ($34,397 vs. $22,204).

Buena Vista University vs. WWU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or WWU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WWU and Buena Vista University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; WWU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WWU Dec 1, 2026.
• Enrolled freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at WWU (3.4).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than WWU (71%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 23.6% at WWU.

Buena Vista University vs. WWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and WWU? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than William Woods University's (50%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $2,600 more per year than WWU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Woods University graduates have a $2,585 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($21,437 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, WWU graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($221 vs. $248).
• More WWU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.