Buena Vista University campus
Buena Vista University logo

Buena Vista University

Type 4 year, Private
Business Model Non Profit
Campus locale Town: Remote
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate
Calendar system 4-1-4
Student body size Small
Dormitory capacity 836
Religious affiliation Presbyterian
Student to faculty ratio 11 to 1
Acceptance rate 66%
Students retention rate 73%
On-time graduation rate 63%

Located in Storm Lake, Iowa, Buena Vista University is a private, non profit institution that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The university operates on a 4-1-4 calendar system, allowing students to engage in intensive study during the two shorter terms. This unique academic structure provides students with the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest or complete internships, enhancing their overall educational experience.

Buena Vista University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that the institution meets certain standards of quality and effectiveness. This accreditation also allows students to transfer credits to other accredited institutions if they choose to continue their education elsewhere.

With a students-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1, Buena Vista University emphasizes small class sizes, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment.

The retention rate of students at Buena Vista University is 73% , which is lower than both the state and national averages. The state average retention rate in Iowa is 86%, while the national average is 74%. This indicates that a significant proportion of students who enroll at Buena Vista University do not continue their studies after the first year.


  • Accredited by: Higher Learning Commission
  • The institution provides on-campus housing

Acceptance Rate

Fall 2021 admitted students

66%

In-State Tuition & Fees

$37,518

Cost of attendance at Buena Vista University in 2022 for students from Iowa.

See how the college's in-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Iowa's average $9,543
National average $30,235

Out-of-State Tuition & Fees

$37,518

Cost of attendance at Buena Vista University in 2022 for the out-of-state and international students

See how the college's out-of-state sticker price compares to 4 year Non Profit, private colleges in the state as well as nationally.

Iowa's average $25,701
National average $30,238

Average Grant & Scholarships

In 2022, 100 of freshman students at Buena Vista University received on average $31,137 in grant and scholarships from the college, the state and/or the federal government. Below is detail stats of the aid provided to full-time, freshman students.

$31,137
Students Receiving Aid Average Amount Total Amount
Pell Grant 105 46% $5,057 $530,987
Other Federal Grant 105 46% $6,709 $704,480
State Grant/Scholarships 103 45% $5,908 $608,482
Institutional Grant/Scholarships 226 99% $25,603 $5,786,171
Total Grant & Scholarships 228 100% $31,137 $7,099,133

Graduation Rate

The following chart shows the graduation rate of Buena Vista University students who enrolled in 2015 and after. The stat covers all undergraduates registered as full-time students to study a 4-year bachelor's degree program for the first time.

The breakdown shows the graduation rate by race/ethnicity of US students. All international students are represented under one group.

As of August 31, 2021, the average graduation rate of Buena Vista University students is 62.8%. Female students graduated at a rate of 71.3%, whereas male students graduated at a rate of 55.7%.

62.8%

  • asian 50.0% 2 students
  • African American 50.0% 3 students
  • white 69.9% 114 students
  • unknown 55.6% 5 students
  • hispanic 68.8% 11 students
  • Mixed Race 44.4% 4 students

Sport Conferences

  • Football American Rivers Conference
  • Baseball American Rivers Conference
  • Basketball American Rivers Conference
  • Track and Cross Country American Rivers Conference

Athletic Associations

  • NCAA
    National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

Service Offerings

Buena Vista University provides the following additional services to its students
  • Remedial services
  • Placement services for graduates
  • Academic/career counseling services
  • Employment services for students

Educational Offerings

Buena Vista University offers educational programs in the following categories. Check the programs section to learn more about specific programs that you are interested in.
  • Academic

Special Learning Opportunities

  • Study abroad
  • Teacher certification
  • ROTC - Army

Veteran Services

  • Member of Service-members Opportunity Colleges
  • Credit for military training
  • Yellow Ribbon Program (officially known as Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program)