Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Storm Lake, Iowa |
| Online | bvu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Remote Town |
| Religious Affiliation | Presbyterian Church (USA) |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Buena Vista University (BVU), established in 1891, is a private institution located in Storm Lake, Iowa, a small city environment situated within the Northwestern region of the state. The university?s lakeside campus is characterized by its blend of historic and contemporary architectural styles, offering a visually cohesive academic setting. BVU provides undergraduate, graduate, and online programs, with a diverse academic profile featuring strong programs in education, business, and science. Housing is available on campus, and the majority of undergraduate students choose to live in the university's residential facilities. Known for its broad liberal arts education, BVU maintains a moderately selective admissions process, seeking students who demonstrate strong academic potential. While academics are central, BVU also houses an active athletic program, competing as the Beavers, though it is not primarily recognized for its athletic prominence on a national level.
In the most recent statistical year 1,562 prospective students applied, and 1,207 were granted admission. Of those admitted 236 enrolled in the school. 1,304 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 669 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $38,644 plus fees of $0. Buena Vista University is ranked 714 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Buena Vista University is rated within the lower 44% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Buena Vista University within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#714 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#465 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#15 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#12 in Best Private Colleges in Iowa
#46 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 930/1130 |
| ACT | 20/24 |
| GPA | 3.49 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,126 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $10,680 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,449 |
| Total One Year Cost | $52,899 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 34% |
| General Studies | 18% |
| Education | 14% |
| Psychology | 11% |
| Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting | 7% |
Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Buena Vista University.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153001 IPEDS survey data for Buena Vista University.
Current students may use the Buena Vista University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024