Milikin vs. Buena Vista University

Comparable Facts

Compare Millikin University in Decatur, 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 Milikin based on total student enrollment (1,890 students vs. 1,586 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Milikin vs. Buena Vista University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Milikin 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 Buena Vista University than Milikin ($19,704 vs. $22,813).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Buena Vista University are 17.3% lower than at Millikin University ($11,330 vs. $13,695).
• Buena Vista University is 55.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Milikin (about $14,906 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $26,892.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 55.4% higher at Buena Vista University than at Millikin University (about $14,906 more per year; $41,798.00 vs. $26,892.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Millikin University as at Buena Vista University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Millikin University students is 1% larger than aid received by Buena Vista University students ($34,733 vs. $34,397).

Milikin vs. Buena Vista University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Milikin 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 Milikin.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Buena Vista University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Milikin (1000).
• Incoming Buena Vista University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at Milikin).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 860/1130; Buena Vista University 930/1130.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Millikin University 18/25; Buena Vista University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Milikin - Test optional; Buena Vista University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Buena Vista University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at Milikin (3.4).
• Buena Vista University has a higher acceptance rate (77.6%) than Milikin (66.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10% at Milikin vs. 20.7% at Buena Vista University.

Milikin vs. Buena Vista University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Milikin 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).

• Millikin University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than Buena Vista University's (55%).
• Graduates from Millikin University earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than Buena Vista University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,100 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have a $2,978 lower median loan debt than Milikin graduates ($24,022 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Buena Vista University graduates have an estimated $31 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Milikin graduates ($248 vs. $279).
• More Milikin graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buena Vista University students, three years after graduation. (66% 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.