La Sierra University vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare La Sierra University in Riverside, CA 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 La Sierra University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,574 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• La Sierra University is located in Riverside, CA (Large City setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• La Sierra University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: La Sierra University 12:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

La Sierra University vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, La Sierra University 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 Buena Vista University than La Sierra University ($19,704 vs. $23,848).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 15.6% lower than at La Sierra University ($11,330 vs. $13,431).
• Buena Vista University is 10.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than La Sierra University (about $4,088 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at La Sierra University (about $4,088 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,710.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at La Sierra University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 24.4% larger than aid received by La Sierra University students ($34,397 vs. $27,646).

La Sierra University vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, La Sierra University 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 La Sierra University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 20 points higher than at La Sierra University (1010).
• Incoming La Sierra University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Buena Vista University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 880/1140; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: La Sierra University 18/28; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: La Sierra University - Test-free; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman La Sierra University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• La Sierra University has a higher acceptance rate (91.5%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.3% at La Sierra University vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

La Sierra University vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for La Sierra University 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).

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than La Sierra University's (32%).
• Graduates from La Sierra University earn a median of about $10,700 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,900 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $5,978 lower median loan debt than La Sierra University graduates ($24,022 vs. $30,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $62 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than La Sierra University graduates ($248 vs. $310).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former La Sierra University students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 52%)

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.