Buena Vista University
About Buena Vista University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, IA. It has a 77.3% acceptance rate and a 57.9% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,419 students.
Founded
1891
Location
Storm Lake, Iowa
Students
1,820
Institution
Private
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
77.6%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
61.7%
Near national average
Tuition
$41,798
Per year
Avg Net Price
$18,846
After financial aid
SAT Average
1120
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$49,156
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Buena Vista University accepts the majority of applicants at 77.6%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1120/ 1600
Average: 1120 out of 1600
ACT Scores
22/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
61.7% complete their degree within six years
Retention
76%
4-Year Grad
56%
6-Year Grad
63%
Teaching Quality
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
32.5%
$/Student
$8.0K
Class Size
Medium
56% of students graduate on time. That's above the national average, but researching academic support resources before you enroll is always a smart move.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$41,798
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,330
Books & Supplies
$2,089
Total Cost of Attendance
$54,222
After Financial Aid
$18,846
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$12,901
Receive Grants
43.8%
Take Loans
67.1%
Don't let the $41,798 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $18,846 after financial aid, a 55% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $12,901.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Buena Vista University fund their education.
While in School
43.8%
Get Grants
Free money
67.1%
Take Loans
Must repay
$40,952
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$25,000
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$265/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
The $25,000 median debt is above average, but graduates earn $49K within ten years. The numbers suggest the investment pays off for most students.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Buena Vista University.
Gender
63.5%
Female
37%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
1,366
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
454
Graduates
35.3%
First-Gen
26 yrs
Avg Age
29.7%
Age 25+
With an average entry age of 26, the campus has more working adults and non-traditional students than most schools. You'll find classmates with real-world experience. 35.3% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
Town: Remote
Campus Quick Facts
1,366
Students
private
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
4-1-4 calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Buena Vista University fields 11 varsity teams with 444 student athletes, about 33% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
American Rivers
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
444
33% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
59% / 41%
263
Men
181
Women
8
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Buena Vista Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$49,156
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$43K
83 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$47K
54 grads
1yr Earnings
Human Services, General
—
51 grads
Psychology, General
$36K
34 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
$45K
25 grads
1yr Earnings
Accounting and Related Services
$53K
21 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $49K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Buena Vista University
What is the acceptance rate at Buena Vista University?▾
How much does Buena Vista University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Buena Vista University?▾
How much do Buena Vista University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.