Western Illinois University vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Illinois University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (6,332 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Western Illinois University vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University than Buena Vista University ($14,208 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Illinois University are 0.1% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,320 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 173.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Western Illinois University (about $26,534 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 173.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at Western Illinois University (about $26,534 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $15,264.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Western Illinois University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 129.4% larger than aid received by Western Illinois University students ($34,397 vs. $14,994).

Western Illinois University vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 40 points higher than at Western Illinois University (990).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Western Illinois University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 880/1090; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Illinois University 18/24; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western Illinois University - Test-free; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Western Illinois University (3.45).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Western Illinois University (71.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.3% at Western Illinois University vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Western Illinois University vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western Illinois 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 Western Illinois University's (53%).
• Graduates from Western Illinois University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,000 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $682 lower median loan debt than Western Illinois University graduates ($24,022 vs. $24,704).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western Illinois University graduates ($248 vs. $255).
• More Western Illinois University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (61% 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.