Buena Vista University vs. SC

Buena Vista University and Sterling College side by side on admissions, cost, and outcomes, from public data.

Buena Vista University
Sterling College

At a glance

  • Harder to get into: SC (48.2% admitted vs 77.6%). Typical SAT 1030 vs 1030.
  • Cheaper after aid: Buena Vista University. Average net price is $19,704 vs $23,531 at SC.
  • Graduation: Buena Vista University 55% vs SC 48%.
  • Earnings 10 years out: Buena Vista University $41,200 vs SC $37,400 (median).
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Key differences

Buena Vista University Sterling College
Acceptance rate
SC more selective
Buena Vista University77.6%
SC48.2%
SAT range (middle 50%)
Buena Vista University higher
Buena Vista University930-1130
SC938-1123
Average net price
Buena Vista University $3,827 less
Buena Vista University$19,704
SC$23,531
In-state tuition
SC $8,098 less
Buena Vista University$41,798
SC$33,700
Out-of-state tuition
SC $8,098 less
Buena Vista University$41,798
SC$33,700
Graduation rate
Buena Vista University +7 pts
Buena Vista University55%
SC48%
Median earnings (10 years)
Buena Vista University +$3,800
Buena Vista University$41,200
SC$37,400

Sources: IPEDS and College Scorecard.

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  • Applied
  • Buena Vista University 1,389
  • SC 820
  • Admitted
  • Buena Vista University 1,078
  • SC 395
  • Acceptance rate
  • Buena Vista University 77.6%
  • SC 48.2%
  • Yield (share of admitted who enroll)
  • Buena Vista University 20.7%
  • SC 30.4%
  • Typical SAT score
  • Buena Vista University 1030
  • SC 1030
  • Typical ACT score
  • Buena Vista University 22
  • SC 21
  • Average high school GPA
  • Buena Vista University 3.49
  • SC 3.46
  • Typical high school grades
  • Buena Vista University B+
  • SC B+
  • Admissions standards
  • Buena Vista University Very Easy
  • SC Very Easy
  • Applicant competition
  • Buena Vista University
  • SC Low
  • SAT range
  • Buena Vista University 930-1130
  • SC 938-1123
  • ACT range
  • Buena Vista University 20-24
  • SC 18-24
  • Submit test scores
  • Buena Vista University Test optional
  • SC Test optional
  • Application deadline
  • Buena Vista University
  • SC Aug 17, 2027
  • Tuition (in state)
  • Buena Vista University $41,798
  • SC $33,700
  • Tuition (out of state)
  • Buena Vista University $41,798
  • SC $33,700
  • Room & board
  • Buena Vista University $11,330
  • SC $9,586
  • Average net price
  • Buena Vista University $19,704
  • SC $23,531
  • Average grant aid
  • Buena Vista University $34,397
  • SC $23,673
  • % receiving grant aid
  • Buena Vista University 100%
  • SC 100%
  • Graduation rate
  • Buena Vista University 55%
  • SC 48%
  • Median earnings (after 10 years)
  • Buena Vista University $41,200
  • SC $37,400
  • Making student loan payments
  • Buena Vista University 59%
  • SC 60%
  • Median student loan debt
  • Buena Vista University $24,022
  • SC $24,663
  • Median loan payment
  • Buena Vista University $248
  • SC $255
  • Student to faculty ratio
  • Buena Vista University 13:1
  • SC 8:1
  • Popular majors
  • Buena Vista University
    • Business (34%)
    • General Studies (18%)
    • Education (14%)
    • Psychology (11%)
    • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting (7%)
  • SC
    • Education (26%)
    • Business (22%)
    • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies (11%)
    • Theology and Religious Vvocations (8%)
    • Philosophy and Religious Studies (6%)
  • Location
  • Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA
  • SC Sterling, KS
  • Setting
  • Buena Vista University Remote Town
  • SC Remote Town
  • Total enrollment
  • Buena Vista University 1,890
  • SC 694
  • Type
  • Buena Vista University Private 4 Year
  • SC Private 4 Year
  • National ranking
  • Buena Vista University #735
  • SC

Comparable Facts

Compare Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA with Sterling College in Sterling, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Buena Vista University is larger than SC based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 694 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

  • Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting); Sterling College is in Sterling, KS (Remote Town setting).
  • Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Sterling College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Buena Vista University 13:1; Sterling College 8:1.

Cost details

  • Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Sterling College are 15.4% lower than at Buena Vista University ($9,586 vs. $11,330).
  • Out-of-state tuition is 24% higher at Buena Vista University than at Sterling College (about $8,098 more per year; $41,798 vs. $33,700).
  • The same share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University as at Sterling College (100% vs. 100%).
  • The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 45.3% larger than aid received by Sterling College students ($34,397 vs. $23,673).

Admissions details

  • Typical ACT composite is 1 point higher at Buena Vista University than at SC (22 vs. 21, midpoint estimate).
  • SAT or ACT scores are test optional at both Buena Vista University and SC.
  • Typical fall application deadline: SC Aug 17, 2027.
  • Enrolled first-year students at Buena Vista University average a 3.49 high school GPA, 0.03 higher than at SC (3.46).
  • The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.7% at Buena Vista University vs. 30.4% at SC.

Loans and repayment

  • Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $641 lower median loan debt than SC graduates ($24,022 vs. $24,663).
  • Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SC graduates ($248 vs. $255).
  • More SC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation (60% vs. 59%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.

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