Buena Vista University vs. AQ

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than AQ based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,157 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Aquinas College is in Grand Rapids, MI (Midsize City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Aquinas College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Aquinas College 10:1.

Buena Vista University vs. AQ Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or AQ? 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 Aquinas College than Buena Vista University ($18,018 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 3% lower than at Aquinas College ($11,330 vs. $11,680).
• Buena Vista University is 3.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than AQ (about $1,580 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $40,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Aquinas College (about $1,580 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $40,218.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Aquinas College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 2.6% larger than aid received by Aquinas College students ($34,397 vs. $33,535).

Buena Vista University vs. AQ Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or AQ? 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 AQ and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is the same as at AQ (1030).
• Incoming AQ students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Buena Vista University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Aquinas College 910/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; Aquinas College 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; AQ - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman AQ students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• AQ has a higher acceptance rate (89.9%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 11.8% at AQ.

Buena Vista University vs. AQ Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and AQ? 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 Aquinas College's (52%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than AQ graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $40,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,978 lower median loan debt than AQ graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than AQ graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More AQ graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (60% 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.