College Search
Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Town · 1,366 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$18,846
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
54%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
52% typical
$49,156
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$51,562 typical
78%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Situated along the scenic shores of Storm Lake, Buena Vista University is a private liberal arts institution renowned for its strong academic programs in education, business, digital media, and agricultural sciences. BVU distinguishes itself through a focus on hands-on, experiential education, highlighted by intensive January interim travel-study courses and accessible undergraduate research and internship opportunities. Campus culture is close-knit and community-driven, offering a vibrant student experience anchored by NCAA Division III Beaver athletics, active campus organizations, and a strong dedication to service.

Wikipedia:Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1891 as Buena Vista College, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The university's 60-acre (240,000 m2) campus is situated on the shores of Storm Lake, a 3,200-acre (13 km2) natural lake.

Location
Storm Lake, IA, 50588 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
OMA · Omaha
99 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$41,798
Housing & food (on campus)$11,330
Books & supplies$2,089
Cost of attendance$44,567
Average net price$18,846
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$41,798
Housing & food (on campus)$11,330
Books & supplies$2,089
Cost of attendance$44,567
Average net price$18,846
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.bvu.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
Buena Vista University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Books & supplies$1,656
Personal expenses$9,675
Transportation$2,877
Total published by the school$44,567
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$12,901
$30–48k
$14,838
$48–75k
$18,094
$75–110k
$19,571
$110k+
$24,967
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
54%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
54%
Back for yr 2
76%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
60% graduated · 29% transferred · 11% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$43,572
10 yrs after entry$49,156
Debt
Median at graduation$25,000
Monthly payment$265
Middle 50% owe$7.6k–$26.5k
90th percentile$32,725
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (medium programs): 52% graduate within 6 yrs.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
78%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1120
ACT midpoint
22
Comp 19–26 · E 17–25 · M 18–24

Wondering if Buena Vista University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts

If Buena Vista University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 37%Women 63%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
13 : 1
Pell grant
44%
First-gen
35%
Family income
$40,952
Independent
53%
Age at entry
26.0
Part-time
13%
Race & ethnicity
White
78%
Hispanic
13%
Black
3%
Asian
1%
Two or more
2%
Non-resident
1%
Unknown
2%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Other Sports
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's · Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$43,572
After 10 yrs
$49,156
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods83
Business Administration, Management and Operations54
Human Services, General51
Psychology, General34
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas25
Accounting and Related Services21
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness19
Criminal Justice and Corrections19
Finance and Financial Management Services16
Marketing14
Business/Commerce, General13
Biology, General12
Agricultural Business and Management11
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs11
Education, General10
Computer and Information Sciences, General7
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$159M
Full-time faculty
33%
Faculty salary
$6,912/mo
Teaching spend
$7,966
per student
Federal loans
67%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (medium programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Buena Vista University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search