Buena Vista University vs. Orion Technical College

Comparable Facts

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

Buena Vista University is larger than Orion Technical College based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 41 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Orion Technical College is in Davenport, IA (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Orion Technical College is a private, for-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Orion Technical College 6:1.

Buena Vista University vs. Orion Technical College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or Orion Technical College? 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 Orion Technical College ($19,704 vs. $27,001).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Orion Technical College are 3.3% lower than at Buena Vista University ($10,956 vs. $11,330).
• Buena Vista University is 167.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Orion Technical College (about $26,198 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $15,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 167.9% higher at Buena Vista University than at Orion Technical College (about $26,198 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $15,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Orion Technical College (100% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 616.3% larger than aid received by Orion Technical College students ($34,397 vs. $4,802).

Buena Vista University vs. Orion Technical College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or Orion Technical College? 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 Orion Technical College and Buena Vista University.

• Orion Technical College reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; Orion Technical College - Open admission.

Buena Vista University vs. Orion Technical College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and Orion Technical College? 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).

• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Orion Technical College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Orion Technical College graduates have a $14,522 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($9,500 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Orion Technical College graduates have an estimated $150 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($98 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Orion Technical College students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 33%)

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.