Judson University vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Judson University in Elgin, IL with Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Buena Vista University is larger than Judson University based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 960 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Judson University is located in Elgin, IL (Midsize City setting); Buena Vista University is in Storm Lake, IA (Remote Town setting).
• Judson University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Buena Vista University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Judson University 10:1; Buena Vista University 13:1.

Judson University vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Judson University or Buena Vista University? 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 Judson University than Buena Vista University ($18,673 vs. $19,704).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 8% lower than at Judson University ($11,330 vs. $12,320).
• Buena Vista University is 33.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Judson University (about $10,438 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.3% higher at Buena Vista University than at Judson University (about $10,438 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Buena Vista University than at Judson University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Buena Vista University students is 43.2% larger than aid received by Judson University students ($34,397 vs. $24,024).

Judson University vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 60 points higher than at Judson University (970).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Judson University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 816/1118; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Judson University 16/24; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Judson University - Test optional; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Judson University (3.16).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Judson University (47.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39.2% at Judson University vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Judson University vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Judson University and Buena Vista University? 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).

• Buena Vista University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than Judson University's (49%).
• Graduates from Judson University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Judson University graduates have a $1,022 lower median loan debt than Buena Vista University graduates ($23,000 vs. $24,022).
• Among borrowers, Judson University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Buena Vista University graduates ($237 vs. $248).
• More Judson University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (63% 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.