Buena Vista University vs. St. Kate's

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with St Catherine University in Saint Paul, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

St Catherine University is larger than Buena Vista University based on total student enrollment (3,651 students vs. 1,890 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); St Catherine University is in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting).
• Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. St Catherine University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; St Catherine University 9:1.

Buena Vista University vs. St. Kate's Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Buena Vista University or St. Kate's? 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 St. Kate's ($19,704 vs. $20,918).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 7% lower than at St Catherine University ($11,330 vs. $12,188).
• St Catherine University is 23.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buena Vista University (about $9,656 more per year; $51,454.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.1% higher at St. Kate's than at Buena Vista University (about $9,656 more per year; $51,454.00 vs. $41,798.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at St Catherine University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by St Catherine University students is 16.6% larger than aid received by Buena Vista University students ($40,092 vs. $34,397).

Buena Vista University vs. St. Kate's Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Buena Vista University or St. Kate's? 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 St. Kate's and Buena Vista University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 30 points higher than at St. Kate's (1000).
• Incoming St. Kate's 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; St Catherine University 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Buena Vista University 20/24; St Catherine University 20/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Buena Vista University - Test optional; St. Kate's - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman St. Kate's students have a 0.13 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Buena Vista University (3.49).
• St. Kate's has a higher acceptance rate (91.8%) than Buena Vista University (77.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 18.8% at St. Kate's.

Buena Vista University vs. St. Kate's Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Buena Vista University and St. Kate's? 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).

• St Catherine University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from St Catherine University earn a median of about $8,900 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,100 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $3,978 lower median loan debt than St. Kate's graduates ($24,022 vs. $28,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $41 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Kate's graduates ($248 vs. $289).
• More St. Kate's graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (65% 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.