Academic Comparison between ISU and Buena Vista

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

  • ISU is a public and Buena Vista is a private (not-for-profit) school and both are four-year schools.
  • Buena Vista has more expensive tuition & fees ($41,798) than ISU ($28,881).
  • It is harder to admit to Buena Vista than ISU.
  • ISU has higher submitted ACT score (24) than Buena Vista (22).
  • ISU has more students with 30,380 students while Buena Vista has 1,890 students.
  • Buena Vista has a lower number of students per faculty with 13 to 1 while ISU's ratio is 18 to 1.
  • ISU has more full-time faculties with 1,432 faculties while Buena Vista has 64 full-time faculties.
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Comparison Table with important Academic Factors

Iowa State Universityvs.Buena Vista University
Ames, IowaLocationStorm Lake, Iowa
Four-year, PublicSchool Typefour-year, Private (not-for-profit)
Doctor's degreeHighest Degree OfferedMaster's degree
Research University (very high research activity)Carnegie ClassificationMaster's College and University (medium programs)
In-State$10,787
Out-Of-State$28,881
2025 Tuition & Fees$41,798
73%% Receiving Financial Aid88%
$10,270Average Amount of Financial Aid$22,940
88.66 %Acceptance Rates77.61 %
28.84 %Yield (Enrollment Rates)20.69 %
1,250SAT Score-
24ACT Score22
75 %Graduation Rate62 %
19 %Transfer-out Rate-
88 %Retention Rate76 %
30,380Student Population1,890
1,432Number of Faculties64
18 to 1Students to Faculty Ratio13 to 1
Distance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Weekend/Evening College, Teacher CertificationSpecial Learning OpportunitiesDistance Learning (Online Classes), ROTC, Study Abroad, Teacher Certification
Academic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services, On-campus daycareOn Campus Student ServicesAcademic/career counseling service, Employment services, Placement services