Overview
Buena Vista University is a private, 4-year institution established in Storm Lake, Iowa. The college offers over 50 academic programs and 90 majors and minors, with primary focus given to their Science, Education, and Business programs. As the college places a high value on experiential learning, over 36% of students at BVU travel as part of their college career. BVU features the TruePromise program, which assists students in obtaining internships, earning their degree on time, and finding job placement after graduation.
Acceptance Rate:
77%
Average Net Price:
$17,544
Campus Setting:
Suburb or town
Average GPA
3.5
Average ACT Composite
21
Average SAT Composite
1108
Virtual Tour
Tuition, Cost & Aid
Affordability & Cost
Tuition
| In-State Tuition In-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who meet the state's or institution's residency requirements. In-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students residing in the locality in which they attend school and may be a lower rate than in-state tuition if offered by the institution. | $40,190 |
| Out-of-State Tuition Out-of-state tuition is the tuition charged by institutions to those students who do not meet the state’s or institution’s residency requirements. Out-of-district tuition is the tuition charged by the institution to those students not residing in the locality in which they attend school. | $40,190 |
Additional Costs
Room and Board The weighted average for room and board and other expenses is generated as follows:
| $10,896 |
| Books and Supplies | $1132 |
Financial Aid: visit page
Aid & Grants
0
100
86%
Need Met
Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid. Federal gift aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution. Students Receiving Grants Percent of undergraduate students awarded grant aid. Grant aid includes any grant or scholarship aid awarded, from the federal government, a state or local government, the institution, and other sources known by the institution.
44%
Average Aid Per Year
$33,703
44%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,124
Average Institution Grant Aid Per Year
$27,182
Students receiving state aid Students receiving federal aid
38%
Average State Grant Aid Per Year
$7113
63%
Average Federal Grant Aid Per Year
$6,124
Average Grant & Scholarship By Family Income
Total Needs Based Scholarships/Grants Total amount of grant or scholarship aid awarded to all undergraduates from the federal government, state/local government, the institution, and other sources known to the institution.
$18,670,088
Total Non-Need-Based Scholarships/Grants
$4,148,418
Student Loans
Students Borrowing Loans Loans to students - Any monies that must be repaid to the lending institution for which the student is the designated borrower. Includes all Title IV subsidized and unsubsidized loans and all institutionally- and privately-sponsored loans. Does not include PLUS and other loans made directly to parents.
76%
Average Loan Amount Per Year
$7,529
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$16,500
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$238
Students receiving federal loans
76%
Average Federal Loans Per Year
$5,494
Average Other Loans Per Year
$9,531
Admissions
Key Admissions Stats
Institution Type
Private
- Not for Profit
- Presbyterian Church (USA)
- Coed
Need Blind
This school does not consider an applicant’s financial situation when deciding admission
Level of Institution
4 Year
Campus Setting
Suburb or town
1562
Students Applied
50%
Transfer Acceptance Rate
34
Transfer Students Admitted
Admissions Requirements
SAT
No
ACT
No
Transcript
No
Test Optional
Yes
SAT Subject Tests
Yes
AP Course Credit
Yes
Dual Enrollment
Yes
Admitted Student Stats
57%
Submitting ACT
3%
Submitting SAT
Average ACT Composite: 21
Average SAT Composite: 1108
SAT Percentiles
Math
Reading
3.5
Average GPA
Students Enrolled By GPA
Students Enrolled By Class Rank
Admissions Resources
For Students with Disabilities: visit page
Academics
Key Academic Stats
Highest Degree Offered
Master's
Total Number of Students
1,973
Total Number of Undergrads
1,474
0
100
56%
Graduate in 4 Years US National: 28%
0
100
62%
Graduate in 6 Years US National: 52%
Student:Faculty Ratio
12:1
US National: 21:1Non Traditional Learning
- Online Classes
- Online Undergrad Degrees
- Summer Sessions
- Combined Institution Double Degree Programs
- Some Programs Requires Co-Op/Internship
Learning Options
- ROTC Army
- Study Abroad
- Honors Program
- Teacher Certification Offered
Classroom Sizes
Degrees and Majors
MAJORS
73
Faculty Overview
Gender
Ethnicity
Campus Life
Key Campus Stats
Student Gender
Residency
Size of Town
Suburb or town
US States Represented
30
Countries Represented
5
Ethnicity
Percent of First Generation Students
35%
Student Organizations
47
LGBTQIA Student Resource Groups
No
On Campus Women's Center
No
Cultural Student Resource Groups
Yes
Housing
0
100
90%
Undergrads Living on Campus
On-campus living required of freshman
Yes
Disability Housing Available
Yes
0
100
91%
Freshman Living on Campus
Athletics
Divisional Sports Nickname
Beavers
School Colors
navy blue and gold
Varsity Athletics Association
NCAA
Varsity Athletics Conference Primary
American Rivers Conference
Intramural Sports
8
Campus Safety
24-HR security patrol
No
Campus emergency phones
Yes
24-HR escort safety rides
Yes
Mobile campus emergency alert
No
After Graduation
Post Grad Stats
Average Salary
6 years after graduation
$42,600
Top 5 Employers
Ernst & Young
Hope & Charity
Faith
Northwestern Mutual
Williams & Company
Average Debt at Graduation The median federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes private student loans and Parent PLUS loans.
$16,500
Loan Default Rate
5%
National: 8%
Median Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 5.05% interest rate.
$238
REVIEWS
Read What Students Are SayingI am planning on majoring in biology. If science or the medical field is what you are looking at, BVU is the place to go. It has one of the best science departments in Iowa and has a very cool medical internship program at the local hospital.
Beth from Mapleton, IA
I am really learning a lot at BV. This school is really challenging me academically along with helping me achieve my dreams. The professors challenge the students in order to make them better, for me that means my science professors are helping me learn more about science and what I might later see in the MCAT as my dream is to later apply to medical school and become a doctor.
Ayla from Dyer, IN
Everyday I learn something new from the teachers and students on campus. I learned that smaller schools are great schools to go to if you are really worried bout your education; they want you to pass higher than a C (you can only pass classes if you have a C or higher)
Ashley from Saint Louis, MO
Buena Vista University has a beautiful campus and great facilities to make it feel right at home. Students are very friendly and professors have a passion for what they do. It is a well-rounded awesome school.
Austin from Bondurant, IA
I transfered from a community college to Buena Vista University. The college advisors have been so helpful in setting up my classes. I would suggest this college to anyone.
Katrina from Emmetsburg, IA
BVU is a small university nestled in the quaint town of Storm Lake. It is a university known for its science department. Overall, many students find it to be a school and home for them.
Abigail from Waukee, IA
I rate Buena Vista University 8/10.
Because Buena Vista is a smaller University, the teachers and faculty have always been able to help me, making my first semester a fantastic one. Buena Vista University is also a place where I can express my creativity in their 24 hour art studios and experience different opportunities.
Because Buena Vista is a smaller University, the teachers and faculty have always been able to help me, making my first semester a fantastic one. Buena Vista University is also a place where I can express my creativity in their 24 hour art studios and experience different opportunities.
Makenzie from Glenville, MN
The family feel and excellent education at Buena Vista University makes BVU 9 out of 10 in my book. It is by far a top of the line university.
Krystal from Carroll , IA
There is a wide array of programs to choose from, and the instructors have real world experience in the subjects they are teaching.
Jenna from Albia, IA
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