Rockford University vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Rockford University in Rockford, 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 Rockford University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,241 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Rockford University is located in Rockford, IL (Midsize City setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Rockford University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Rockford University 10:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Rockford University vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Rockford 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 Rockford University ($19,704 vs. $23,642).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 0.8% lower than at Rockford University ($11,330 vs. $11,420).
• Buena Vista University is 10.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rockford University (about $4,018 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,780.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.6% higher at Buena Vista University than at Rockford University (about $4,018 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,780.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Rockford University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 34% larger than aid received by Rockford University students ($34,397 vs. $25,671).

Rockford University vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Rockford 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 Rockford University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 70 points higher than at Rockford University (960).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Rockford University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 850/1070; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Rockford University 17/23; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Rockford University - Test optional; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Rockford University (3.25).
• Rockford University has a higher acceptance rate (92.9%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Rockford University vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Rockford University vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Rockford 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 Rockford University's (31%).
• Graduates from Rockford University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $978 lower median loan debt than Rockford University graduates ($24,022 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rockford University graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Rockford University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.