Buena Vista University vs. College of Saint Mary

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than College of Saint Mary based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 786 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); College of Saint Mary is in Omaha, NE (Large City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. College of Saint Mary is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; College of Saint Mary 8:1.

Buena Vista University vs. College of Saint Mary Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or College of Saint Mary? 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 College of Saint Mary than Buena Vista University ($17,078 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at College of Saint Mary are 19.8% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,084 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 70.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than College of Saint Mary (about $17,288 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $24,510.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 70.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at College of Saint Mary (about $17,288 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $24,510.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at College of Saint Mary (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 82.5% larger than aid received by College of Saint Mary students ($34,397 vs. $18,847).

Buena Vista University vs. College of Saint Mary Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or College of Saint Mary? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between College of Saint Mary and Buena Vista University.

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; College of Saint Mary - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at College of Saint Mary (3.4).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than College of Saint Mary (44.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 35.3% at College of Saint Mary.

Buena Vista University vs. College of Saint Mary Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and College of Saint Mary? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than College of Saint Mary's (30%).
• Graduates from College of Saint Mary earn a median of about $100 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,300 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $1,978 lower median loan debt than College of Saint Mary graduates ($24,022 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $20 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than College of Saint Mary graduates ($248 vs. $268).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former College of Saint Mary students, three years after graduation. (59% 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.