Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private nonprofit · 4-year

Buena Vista University has a 71.8% acceptance rate. Buena Vista University is a private nonprofit 4-year institution in Storm Lake, IA, with a median SAT of 1052 and a median ACT of 22. The average net price is $18,846 per year after financial aid, and it is accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education). Data updated April 2026.

Admissions Statistics

Acceptance Rate

71.8%

1,544 applicants

SAT Median

1052

Combined score

ACT Median

22

Composite score

Avg Net Price

$18,846

After financial aid

SAT & ACT Scores at Buena Vista University

Middle-50% test scores of admitted students at Buena Vista University (25th to 75th percentile), per federal IPEDS data:

Test25th percentileMedian75th percentile
SAT (total, 400–1600)1052
ACT (composite, 1–36)182225

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rate

0.5%

Retention Rate

76.0%

Median Earnings (10yr)

N/A

Student Body

1,366

Net Price by Family Income

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships at Buena Vista University:

Family IncomeAvg Net Price/Year
$0 – $30,000$12,901
$30,001 – $48,000$14,838
$48,001 – $75,000$18,094
$75,001 – $110,000$19,571
$110,000+$24,967

Top Majors at Buena Vista University

MajorDegrees Awarded
Education134
Business, Management & Marketing103
Public Administration & Social Services50
Psychology25
Agriculture & Natural Resources17
Biological & Biomedical Sciences10
Parks, Recreation & Fitness10
Communication & Journalism9
Computer & Information Sciences7
Homeland Security & Criminal Justice7

Financial Aid at Buena Vista University

About Buena Vista University

Official website: https://www.bvu.edu/

Admissions: https://www.bvu.edu/admissions

Frequently Asked Questions About Buena Vista University

What is the acceptance rate at Buena Vista University?

Buena Vista University has an acceptance rate of 72%. it received about 1,544 applications in a recent year; admitted students have a median SAT near 1052; the average net price is $18,846 per year. Admit Coach estimates your personal odds of admission to Buena Vista University for free using your GPA and test scores.

How hard is it to get into Buena Vista University?

Getting into Buena Vista University is accessible for most qualified applicants — it admits 72% of applicants. Admitted students typically have a median SAT around 1052. Your odds depend on how your GPA and scores compare to admitted students. Admit Coach calculates your specific chance at Buena Vista University for free and labels it a reach, target, or safety school.

What SAT or ACT scores do you need for Buena Vista University?

Admitted students at Buena Vista University typically have a median SAT around 1052 and a median ACT around 22. With a 72% acceptance rate, competitive applicants usually score at or above these medians. Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA. Enter your scores in Admit Coach to see whether you land in the reach, target, or safety range.

How much does it cost to attend Buena Vista University?

The average net price at Buena Vista University is $18,846 per year after grants and scholarships. about 99% of students receive financial aid; the average grant or scholarship is $34,333 per year. Net price varies by family income — Admit Coach shows the estimate for your specific income bracket.

What is the graduation rate at Buena Vista University?

Buena Vista University has a graduation rate of 1%. its first-year retention rate is 76%. These federal outcome metrics let you compare Buena Vista University against similar colleges on Admit Coach.

Is Buena Vista University test-optional?

For the 2025–26 cycle, Buena Vista University is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who do submit scores typically have a median SAT near 1052. With a 72% acceptance rate, a strong overall application matters most. Admit Coach factors Buena Vista University's testing policy into your free admission-chance estimate.

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