Illinois College vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Illinois College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 942 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois College is located in Jacksonville, IL (Distant Town setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Illinois College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois College 12:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Illinois College vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Illinois College or Buena Vista 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 Illinois College than Buena Vista University ($17,375 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 5.8% lower than at Illinois College ($11,330 vs. $12,026).
• Buena Vista University is 8.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Illinois College (about $3,122 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $38,676.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.1% higher at Buena Vista University than at Illinois College (about $3,122 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $38,676.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois College as at Buena Vista University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 8.8% larger than aid received by Illinois College students ($34,397 vs. $31,609).

Illinois College vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois College (1030) is the same as at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Illinois College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Buena Vista University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 883/1180; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois College 19/26; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Illinois College - Test optional; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Illinois College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.63) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• Illinois College has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.2% at Illinois College vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Illinois College vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Illinois College and Buena Vista 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).

• Illinois College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Illinois College earn a median of about $4,100 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,300 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 Illinois 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 Illinois College graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Illinois College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (79% 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.