Academic Comparison between Buena Vista and UI

Buena Vista University and University of Iowa are frequently compared when students or parents prepare college admissions. Buena Vista is a four-year, private (not-for-profit) school located in Storm Lake, IA and UI is a four-year, public school located in Iowa City, IA.

Comparison at a Glance

The following list compares two colleges briefly in important perspectives. You can compare them with comprehensive information on full comparison page.

  • Buena Vista is a private (not-for-profit) and UI is a public school and both are four-year schools.
  • Buena Vista has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,798) than UI ($33,371).
  • It is harder to admit to Buena Vista than UI.
  • UI has higher submitted ACT score (22) than Buena Vista (22).
  • UI has more students with 30,779 students while Buena Vista has 1,890 students.
  • Buena Vista has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while UI's ratio is 16 to 1.
  • UI has more full-time faculties with 2,474 faculties while Buena Vista has 64 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Buena Vista Universityvs.University of Iowa
Storm Lake, IowaLocationIowa City, Iowa
Four-year, Private (not-for-profit)School Typefour-year, Public
Master's degreeHighest Degree OfferedDoctor's degree
Master's College and University (medium programs)Carnegie ClassificationResearch University (very high research activity)
$41,7982025 Tuition & Fees
In-State$11,283
Out-Of-State$33,371
88%% Receiving Financial Aid69%
$22,940Average Amount of Financial Aid$10,070
77.61 %Acceptance Rates83.62 %
20.69 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)22.43 %
-SAT Score1,230
22ACT Score24
62 %Graduation Rate75 %
-Transfer-out Rate17 %
76 %Retention Rate90 %
1,890Student Population30,779
64Number of Faculties2,474
13 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio16 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement servicesOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycare