Buena Vista University Admission Requirements
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Buena Vista University Admission Overview
Buena Vista University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year Buena Vista University admitted 77.6% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.49 GPA (B+) and SAT 930-1130 / ACT 20-24. Buena Vista University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Buena Vista University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT or ACT.
Buena Vista University Acceptance Rate
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance rate Share of applicants offered admission last year.
Admission Standards Measure of enrolled testers' SAT/ACT scores vs. other colleges.
Applicant Competition Measure of this school's acceptance rate vs. other colleges. A low acceptance rate indicates high competition.
Very Low
Admission difficulty for Buena Vista University
Acceptance Rate
The Buena Vista University acceptance rate is 77.6%. Last year, 1,078 of 1,389 applicants were admitted. That is the 14th lowest acceptance rate in Iowa.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Buena Vista University and can you get accepted?
Buena Vista University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.
Buena Vista University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.49. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 21% of those admitted chose to enroll.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Buena Vista University GPA
GPA of enrolled freshmen
Avg. High School GPA The average high school GPA for incoming freshmen on a 4.0 scale.
3.49Typical High School Grades Letter grade on a 4.0 scale for last year's average, not a cutoff.
B+Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.49
Average GPA
Enrolled freshmen at Buena Vista University typically have around a 3.49 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. Buena Vista University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.
The school ranks #15 in Iowa for highest average GPA.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.5 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024
Buena Vista University SAT Scores
SAT scores of enrolled freshmen
SAT Range The middle 50% of enrolled testers who sent SAT. The maximum score is 1600.
930-1130Freshmen who sent SAT Share of enrolled freshmen who submitted SAT scores. This is enrolled testers, not all applicants.
1%25th Percentile Scores
- Reading 480
- Math 450
- Composite 930
75th Percentile Scores
- Reading 570
- Math 560
- Composite 1130
Average SAT
Enrolled testers at Buena Vista University typically score around a 1030 SAT (middle 50% 930–1130) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 45th percentile nationally. Buena Vista University ranks #19 in the state of Iowa for highest average SAT composite score.
SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 930 to 1130
SAT policy
Buena Vista University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.
View other colleges which accept students in the 1030 SAT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Buena Vista University ACT Scores
ACT scores among enrolled freshmen
ACT Range Mid-50 ACT composite among enrolled testers who sent ACT. The scale tops out at 36.
20-24Freshmen reporting ACT Percent of enrolled freshmen who reported ACT. Counts enrolled testers, not the full applicant pool.
33%25th Percentile Scores
- English 18
- Math 18
- Composite 20
75th Percentile Scores
- English 23
- Math 25
- Composite 24
Average ACT
Incoming testers at Buena Vista University typically have around a 22 ACT (mid-50 20–24) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 63rd percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Buena Vista University places #14 among colleges in Iowa for highest average ACT composite.
ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 20 to 24
ACT policy
You may apply to Buena Vista University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.
See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 22.0 ACT score range.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers
This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
High School Class Rank
Class Rank of Admitted Students
79% of Buena Vista University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 45% are in the top quarter.
Data Source, Peterson's Data
Estimate How You Compare
See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.
Open the Buena Vista University chances calculatorApplying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to Buena Vista University and what student information is used for admission decisions?
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to Buena Vista University is $0. The school is free to apply to.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Credits Accepted
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Admission summary
Buena Vista University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 77.6% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.49 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (930-1130); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.
Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025
Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153001.
GPA calculator: Buena Vista University GPA calculator.
Last updated: August 2026