77.61%

Acceptance Rate

$24,772

Avg.Financial Aid

001847

FAFSA Code

Buena Vista University Report Card

Selectivity
77.6% acceptance rate
Academics
B
62% graduation rate
Class Size
B+
8:1 student-faculty ratio
Value
B-
$41,798 tuition

Grades calculated by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES data. Methodology: How we grade →

Key Facts: Buena Vista University

Institution
Buena Vista University
Type
Private not-for-profit

Data compiled by The College Monk from IPEDS/NCES and official university sources. Last verified June 2026. Citable source →

Buena Vista University

  • Type Control of Institution - Public/Private

    Private, Not-For-Profit

  • Acceptance Rate:

    N/A

  • Level

    4 Years

  • Religious Affiliation Indicates religious affiliation (denomination) for private not-for-profit institutions that are religiously affiliated.

    Presbyterian Church (USA)

  • Accreditation Accreditation is the process by which the quality of learning at various educational institutions are evaluated. Read More.

    HLC

  • Website

    https://www.bvu.edu
  • Student Population Number of Students attending College

    1,366

  • On Campus Housing Does the institution provide on-campus housing?

    Yes

The Buena Vista University (BVU) is a four or more year private not-for-profit university. The university is located in proximity to the scenic natural beauty of Storm lake at Stormlake, Los Angeles.

The university aims to prepare students for lifelong success through transformational academic, professional, and co-curricular programs. The university was founded by the Presbyterian Church as Buena Vista College in 1891. In 1995, after receiving accreditation in a graduate program of Education major, it initiated the transition from college to the university. The university still carries a religious affiliation from the Presbyterian Church.

The student-faculty ratio at the university is 8:1  The student-faculty ratio ensures smooth learning for the students as they get the individual attention from the faculty. With over 50 bachelor’s degrees and 20 major’s degrees and endorsements, the university promises to deliver a customized ideal Academic experience.The institute offers online, on-campus as well as hybrid programs.

  • The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

  • The BVU acceptance rate is 57%.

  • The total student population is 1846.

  • The student-faculty ratio is 8:1 which allows great individual attention towards each student in the classroom.


Online Education at BVU

You can discover a wide range of degree options which you can access in the online format. Accessing online courses and resources are simple with the online platform provided by the university. The classes start six times per year by providing the 8-week classes which will perfectly fit in your schedule.


Find the Best Online Colleges in Iowa


Reviews

Some of the student’s reviews are given below.

  • The campus is filled with culturally diverse students. The workload is heavy but the classes are most enjoyable.

  • The atmosphere of the school and helping mentality of professors can make wonders in your life. There are internship opportunities provided to the students to get exposure to the work environment.

Location & Contact

Address

610 W 4th St, Storm Lake, Iowa

Contact

Phone: (712) 749-2400
Find Your School

Rankings

It becomes easier for the aspirants to apply to a university and have their doubts regarding the same cleared if the university has a ranking. The two popular publications, US News and Forbes, are among the most trusted publications when it comes to the rankings of an educational institution. The ranking of a university plays an important role in helping a prospective candidate choosing the right university. It helps them assess the university's performance based on several factors, which include research excellence, the performance of the students after they complete their education, student experience, and most importantly academic success. However, it is to be noted that Buena Vista University does not feature in the list of top colleges, according to the latest rankings by these two publications.

Admissions

  • Application Deadline Deadline for application submissions. Please contact the school for more details.

    FALSE

  • Acceptance Rate Percentage of applicants who are accepted in an Institution.

    77.61%

  • SAT Range

    920 - 1140

  • SAT/ACT

    Recommended

  • ACT Range

    19 - 24

  • High School GPA

    Required

  • Application Fee

    FALSE$

  • Accept Common App

    None

The admission to Buena Vista University is easy and the students can make the most out of it. Buena Vista University has 3 admission thresholds. The students are required to submit a fee along with the admission form, in order to be considered for admission at Buena Vista University. It is a non-refundable amount. The SAT score in the range of 930-1110 would boost a student's chances of securing admission. Notably, students securing ACT score less than 19 might also given admission but the average ACT score at Buena Vista University is 22. The candidates can apply for the courses online. However, in case they need information or want to feel the vibes, they visit the school's office at 610 W 4th St, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588. They can also call them at (712) 749-2400.

Annual Cost to Attend

  • Net Price Cost of attendance minus any grants and scholarships received.

    $18,846

  • Average Annual Cost

    $41,798

Additional Costs:

  • Books And Supplies

    $46,808

  • Other Fees

    $N/A

  • Room And Board The charges for an academic year for Rooming accommodations and meals for a typical student.

    $9,538

  • Budget For Other Expenses

    $2,267

Total One Year Cost

$46,808

Tuition fees and the cost of living during the course tenure are the next two things that a student should keep in mind before applying to BVU. The annual full-time cost of attendance comes out to be approximately $48,896. This cost consists of the average annual tuition cost ($35,194), books and supplies ($999), room and boarding ($9,872), and budget for other expenses ($4,280). For students seeking financial assistance, the university offers a number of options.

Academics

Highest Degree Offered The highest degree offered by the Institution.

Master's degree

Student:Faculty Ratio

8:1

Full-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

76%

Part-Time Retention Rate Percent of the that re-enrolled at the institution as either full- or part-time in the current year.

N/A

Academic Calendar

Four-one-four plan

Research Funding per Student

N/A

Faculty Overview

43%

Male Professors

57%

Female Professors

Non-traditional Learning

Evening Degree Programs

Teacher Certification

Distance Education

Study Abroad

Majors

Most Popular Majors:

  • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Ot...

    112 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    80 Graduates

  • Psychology, General

    78 Graduates

  • Business Administration, Management...

    67 Graduates

  • Accounting and Related Services

    42 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    40 Graduates

  • Human Resources Management and Serv...

    37 Graduates

  • Health and Physical Education/Fitne...

    32 Graduates

  • Accounting and Related Services

    42 Graduates

  • Teacher Education and Professional...

    40 Graduates

  • Human Resources Management and Serv...

    37 Graduates

  • Health and Physical Education/Fitne...

    32 Graduates

  • Criminal Justice and Corrections

    31 Graduates

  • Marketing

    28 Graduates

  • Finance and Financial Management Se...

    24 Graduates

  • Biology, General

    21 Graduates

  • Entrepreneurial and Small Business...

    14 Graduates

  • Education, General

    12 Graduates

  • Radio, Television, and Digital Comm...

    11 Graduates

  • Business/Commerce, General

    8 Graduates

  • Social Work

    8 Graduates

  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervent...

    6 Graduates

  • Computer and Information Sciences,...

    6 Graduates

  • Natural Resources Conservation and...

    6 Graduates

  • Romance Languages, Literatures, and...

    6 Graduates

  • Communication, Journalism, and Rela...

    5 Graduates

  • English Language and Literature, Ge...

    5 Graduates

  • Public Administration

    5 Graduates

  • Chemistry

    4 Graduates

  • Design and Applied Arts

    4 Graduates

  • Music

    4 Graduates

  • Non-Professional General Legal Stud...

    3 Graduates

  • Special Education and Teaching

    3 Graduates

  • Computer Systems Analysis

    2 Graduates

  • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft

    2 Graduates

  • Fine and Studio Arts

    2 Graduates

  • History

    2 Graduates

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General...

    2 Graduates

  • Mathematics

    2 Graduates

  • Philosophy and Religious Studies, O...

    2 Graduates

  • Political Science and Government

    2 Graduates

  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Manag...

    1 Graduates

  • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecu...

    1 Graduates

  • Physics

    1 Graduates

Show More

Student Body

Undergraduate Students

1,619

Socio-Economic Diversity Percent of full-time, first-time students receiving an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

45%

Full-time / Part-time

86% / 14%

Students Gender

Male

35%

US National: 44%

Female

65%

US National: 56%

LGBTQIA STUDENT RESOURCE GROUPS

ON CAMPUS WOMEN'S CENTER

Race/Ethnicity

White

73%

Unknown

13%

Black

4%

Hispanic

5%

Two or more races

2%

Non Resident alien

1%

Asian

1%

American Indian/Alaska native

1%

Native Hawaiians/Pacific islander

0%

Geographic Density

Geographic Density

High

0%

Unknown Location

35%

Out Of State

63%

In State

2%

Foreign

Economic Diversity

36% percentage of students who recieved an income-based Federal Pell Grant intended for low-income students.

Median Household Income

$51,580 per year

Campus Life

Housing

The students can reside on campus and 91% of Freshman Live On-Campus.

On Campus Housing Available

Yes

Freshmen Required to Live on Campus

No

Freshmen Live on Campus

91%

Undergrads in College Housing

N/A

Averege Housing Cost

$4,774/year

Campus Food

The institution has several dining and meal plan options available to students and the average meal plan cost is around $4,764/year.

Meal Plan Available

Yes

Average Meal Plan Available

$4,764/year

Athletes

Division Sports Nickname

Beavers

School Colors

navy blue and gold

Varsity Athletics Association

NCAA

Varsity Athletics Conference Primary

Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conf

Total Male Athletes

N/A

Total Female Athletes

N/A

Intramural Sports

11

Sports Club

N/A

Campus Security

The university offers on-campus housing facilities to the students who wish to stay on the campus. The normal expense for on-campus housing is $9,872 per year. Buena Vista University has several dining and meal plan options for its students and the average meal plan at BVU costs around $4,764 per year. The university considers the safety and security of its students to be paramount. At BVU, campus safety and security features include campus emergency phones and 24-hr escort safety rides. The university has enrolled around 36% male and 64% female students.

24-Hour Security Patrol

Campus Emergency Phones

24-Hour Escort Safety rides

Mobile Campus Emergency Alert

After Graduation

Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation

$34,500/year

Median Earnings 10 Years After Graduation

$40,000/year

Median Total Debt After Graduation The median cumulative federal debt of undergraduate borrowers who graduated.

$19,379 - $29,500

Typical Monthly Loan Payment The median monthly loan payment for student borrowers who completed, if it were repaid over 10 years at a 4.53% interest rate.

$201 - $306

Outcomes 8 Years of Attending

Show data for students who

and started their studies

Out of 7,811 students

30% Graduated

10% Still Enrolled

15% Transfer

1% Withdraw

Financial Aid

Students Receiving Gift Aid Percent of undergraduate students awarded federal gift aid.

99%

Average Aid Per Year

$24,772

Students Receiving Federal Grants

45%

Average Aid Per Year

$5,594

Students Receiving State Aid

40%

Average Aid Per Year

$5,840

Students Receiving Institutional Grants

99%

Average Aid Per Year

$19,886

Average Grant & Scholarship by Family Income Aid awarded based on the family income.

Income

Average Amount

< $30K

$30,019

$30K - $48K

$29,769

$48K - $75K

$26,826

$75K - $110K

$23,208

> $110K

$19,030

Total Non-Needs based Scholarships/Grants

$2,618,243

In case the students at Buena Vista University face any financial issues concerning the fees and cost of living, and find the same to be high, they can seek help from the financial aid department of the varsity. It focuses on settling the issues that students face, and candidates can be assisted with scholarships, grants, and student loans. At the university, the average federal grant comes to be around $5,493, whereas the financial aid is $22,474. The university provides financial assistance in the form of state-level aid worth $6,195 and institutional aid worth $22,474. The non-need-based scholarships awarded to students admitted to Buena Vista University amount to $2,618,243 per annum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buena Vista University

How hard is it to get into Buena Vista University?

Buena Vista University is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of 77.6%. Strong applicants typically have above-average test scores, a rigorous course load, and compelling extracurricular activities.

How much does Buena Vista University cost?

Tuition at Buena Vista University is approximately $41,798 per year before financial aid. Room, board, fees, and personal expenses add to the total cost of attendance. Most students receive scholarships or financial aid that reduces the net price.

How many students attend Buena Vista University?

Buena Vista University enrolls approximately 1,366 students across its programs.

What is the graduation rate at Buena Vista University?

The graduation rate at Buena Vista University is 62%, reflecting the percentage of students who complete their degree within the standard timeframe.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Buena Vista University?

The student-faculty ratio at Buena Vista University is 8:1, meaning students typically have good access to faculty for mentoring, research, and smaller class experiences.

What SAT and ACT scores do I need for Buena Vista University?

Buena Vista University typically admits students with ACT composite scores of 19-26. Check the admissions office for the most current testing requirements and whether test-optional policies apply.

Is Buena Vista University a public or private university?

Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution.

When is the application deadline for Buena Vista University?

Application deadlines at Buena Vista University vary by program. Early Decision and Early Action applicants typically submit in November, while Regular Decision deadlines fall in early January. Always check the official admissions website for the current cycle's dates.

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