Buena Vista University vs. KWC

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than KWC based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 887 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Kentucky Wesleyan College is in Owensboro, KY (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Kentucky Wesleyan College 15:1.

Buena Vista University vs. KWC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or KWC? 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 KWC ($19,704 vs. $20,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 4.4% lower than at Kentucky Wesleyan College ($11,330 vs. $11,855).
• Buena Vista University is 20.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than KWC (about $7,125 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,673.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.5% higher at Buena Vista University than at Kentucky Wesleyan College (about $7,125 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $34,673.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Kentucky Wesleyan College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 34.7% larger than aid received by Kentucky Wesleyan College students ($34,397 vs. $25,538).

Buena Vista University vs. KWC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 20 points higher than at KWC (1010).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (22 vs. 19 at KWC).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Buena Vista University 930/1130; Kentucky Wesleyan College 890/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Buena Vista University 20/24; Kentucky Wesleyan College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; KWC - Test optional.
• Enrolled freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at KWC (3.3).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than KWC (71.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 17.7% at KWC.

Buena Vista University vs. KWC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and KWC? 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 Kentucky Wesleyan College's (44%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than KWC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $38,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Kentucky Wesleyan College graduates have a $1,115 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($22,907 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, KWC graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($236 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KWC students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 54%)

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.