Anderson University vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Anderson University in Anderson, IN with Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Anderson University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,228 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Anderson University is located in Anderson, IN (Small City setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Anderson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Anderson University 10:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Anderson University vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Anderson University or Buena Vista University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Buena Vista University than Anderson University ($19,704 vs. $25,332).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 11.5% lower than at Anderson University ($11,330 vs. $12,800).
• Buena Vista University is 12.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Anderson University (about $4,558 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,240.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.2% higher at Buena Vista University than at Anderson University (about $4,558 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $37,240.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Anderson University as at Buena Vista University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 32.6% larger than aid received by Anderson University students ($34,397 vs. $25,946).

Anderson University vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Anderson University or Buena Vista University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Buena Vista University and Anderson University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Anderson University (1030) is the same as at Buena Vista University (1030).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Anderson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 900/1150; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Anderson University 17/24; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Anderson University - Test optional; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Anderson University (3.4).
• Anderson University has a higher acceptance rate (79.3%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 8.3% at Anderson University vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Anderson University vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Anderson University and Buena Vista University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Anderson University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Anderson University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Anderson University graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Anderson University graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Anderson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 59%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.