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 occupies a 60-acre waterfront campus on the shores of Storm Lake in northwestern Iowa, approximately 160 miles from Des Moines. Founded in 1891 as a Presbyterian-affiliated institution, BVU's main campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings overlooking the lake, with all academic facilities and student housing contained within a walkable area. The university operates as a primarily residential campus, with most students living in one of six residence halls or campus-owned apartments. BVU's academic programs emphasize business, education, and science disciplines, with notable strengths in digital media and environmental science, while maintaining a liberal arts foundation. The institution competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Beavers, participating in the American Rivers Conference.
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 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#719 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#472 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#18 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#15 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 | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,132 |
| Other Fees | $0 |
| Room and Board | $10,896 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,561 |
| Total One Year Cost | $54,779 |
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% |
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, 2025