Bethel University vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, 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 Bethel University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Bethel University vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel 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 Bethel University than Buena Vista University ($19,494 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 1.7% lower than at Buena Vista University ($11,140 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 20.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $7,198 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.8% higher at Buena Vista University than at Bethel University (about $7,198 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 37.3% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($34,397 vs. $25,046).

Bethel University vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel 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 Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethel 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 Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Bethel University (3.46).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Bethel University vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel 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).

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Bethel University's (49%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,043 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($248 vs. $269).
• More Bethel 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.