Buena Vista University vs. MWSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Missouri Western State University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (3,716 students vs. 1,890 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Missouri Western State University is in Saint Joseph, MO (Small City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri Western State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Missouri Western State University 15:1.

Buena Vista University vs. MWSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or MWSU? 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 Missouri Western State University than Buena Vista University ($13,126 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 8% lower than at Missouri Western State University ($11,330 vs. $12,311).
• Buena Vista University is 305.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than MWSU (about $31,492 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $10,306.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.3% higher at Buena Vista University than at Missouri Western State University (about $20,932 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $20,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Missouri Western State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 272.1% larger than aid received by Missouri Western State University students ($34,397 vs. $9,245).

Buena Vista University vs. MWSU Admissions comparison

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

• Missouri Western State University reports an open admissions policy.
• 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; MWSU - Open admission.
• Enrolled freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at MWSU (3.25).

Buena Vista University vs. MWSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and MWSU? 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 Missouri Western State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Buena Vista University earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than MWSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,200 vs. $36,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Missouri Western State University graduates have a $2,204 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($21,818 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, MWSU graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($225 vs. $248).
• More Buena Vista University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MWSU students, three years after graduation. (59% vs. 53%)

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.