Buena Vista University Admissions

Buena Vista University Admissions Overview:

Students applying to Buena Vista will need to take either the SAT or ACT. Buena Vista admits 64% of applicants, making it a largely accessible school. Those admitted generally have good grades ("B" average or higher) and test scores that are above average, but remember: schools look at more than test scores and grades, and such things as challenging courses, extracurricular activities, and strong writing skills are all taken into consideration by the Buena Vista admissions staff. Students are encouraged to visit the campus and can talk to an admissions counselor either in person or through email to set up a tour or ask questions about the admissions process. 

Admissions Data (2016):

• Buena Vists University Acceptance Rate: 64%
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: 400 / 510
  • SAT Math: 440 / 490
  • SAT Writing: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: 19 / 26
  • ACT English: 18 / 25
  • ACT Math: 18 / 25
    • What these ACT numbers mean

Buena Vista University Description:

Buena Vista is a small, private university that offers degree programs in professional fields and the liberal arts and sciences. The attractive 60-acre campus sits on the shores of a 3,200-acre lake in Storm Lake, Iowa. The town of about 10,000 is situated 70 miles east of Sioux City. Business, education, and psychology are extremely popular fields among undergraduates, as is Buena Vista's self-designed interdisciplinary major. With small classes and a 13 to 1 student / faculty ratio, students will get lots of personal attention from their professors. Campus life is active with over 80 student organizations. On the athletic front, BVU has impressive offerings for a small school. The Beavers compete in the NCAA Division III Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. One in three students plays on one of the school's 19 intercollegiate teams. Popular sports include basketball, football, soccer, and golf.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 2,114 (1,921 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 34% Male / 66% Female
• 83% Full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $32,210
• Books: $999 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $9,304
• Other Expenses: $2,275
• Total Cost: $44,788

Buena Vista University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 100%
  • Loans: 75%
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $22,047
  • Loans: $8,536

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Accounting, Criminal Justice, Elementary Education, Interdisciplinary, Management, Psychology

Retention and Graduation Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 73%
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 44%
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 53%

Intercollegiate Athletic Programs:

• Men's Sports: Football, Baseball, Wrestling, Tennis, Track and Field, Basketball, Golf, Soccer
• Women's Sports: Basketball, Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Track and Field, Cross Country, Tennis, Golf

Data Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

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