# Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA. Source page: https://www.dreamschool.co/colleges/buena-vista-university

Buena Vista University is a private nonprofit college in Storm Lake, IA with 1,366 undergraduates. It admits 78% of applicants, and admitted students average 1120 on the SAT. The average net price after aid is $18,855 per year ($15,520 for families earning under $30,000). 58% of students graduate, and graduates earn a median of $51,626 ten years after enrolling.

## Key facts

| Measure | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Admission rate | 78% (Fall 2024) |
| Testing policy | Test optional (considered if submitted) (Fall 2024) |
| Applicants | 1,544 (Fall 2023) |
| Admitted | 1,108 (Fall 2023) |
| SAT Reading & Writing (middle 50%) | — (Fall 2024) |
| SAT Math (middle 50%) | — (Fall 2024) |
| ACT Composite (middle 50%) | 19–26 (Fall 2024) |
| Cost of attendance | $56,872 (2024-25) |
| Average net price | $18,855 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $0–30k | $15,520 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $30–48k | $13,270 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $48–75k | $14,037 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $75–110k | $19,464 (2024-25) |
| Net price, family income $110k+ | $25,296 (2024-25) |
| Undergraduates | 1,366 (Fall 2024) |
| Graduation rate | 58% (Fall 2019) |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $51,626 (2023) |
| Median debt at graduation | $23,250 (FY2024) |

## What Buena Vista University considers in admissions (Fall 2023)

- High school record: Considered
- High school GPA: Required
- College-prep coursework: Considered
- Class rank: Considered
- Essay or personal statement: Considered
- Recommendations: Considered
- Demonstrated competencies: Not considered
- Legacy status: Not considered
- Work experience: Not considered
- English proficiency test: Considered

## FAQ

**What is Buena Vista University's acceptance rate?**

Buena Vista University admits 78% of applicants, which makes it accessible.

**What ACT score do you need for Buena Vista University?**

The middle 50% ACT composite range for admitted students is 19–26.

**Is Buena Vista University test optional?**

Test optional (considered if submitted).

**How many students apply to Buena Vista University?**

In Fall 2023, 1,544 students applied to Buena Vista University and 1,108 were admitted; 217 enrolled.

**Does Buena Vista University consider legacy status?**

No. Buena Vista University reported that legacy status is not considered in admissions (Fall 2023).

**Does Buena Vista University require an essay?**

Buena Vista University reported that an essay or personal statement is considered for admission (Fall 2023).

**How much does Buena Vista University cost?**

The sticker cost of attendance is $56,872 per year, but the average net price after grants and scholarships is $18,855.

**What is Buena Vista University's graduation rate?**

58% of full-time students graduate within 150% of normal time.


## Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Most Recent Institution-Level Data), released 2026-10-15: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/
- IPEDS Admissions survey (ADM2023): https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/datacenter/DataFiles.aspx
- IPEDS unit ID 153001. Methodology: https://www.dreamschool.co/methodology