Buena Vista University
Buena Vista University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Buena Vista University at a Glance
Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, Iowa, United States. Founded in 1891 as Buena Vista College, it is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. The university's 60-acre (240,000 m2) campus is situated on the shores of Storm Lake, a 3,200-acre (13 km2) natural lake.
1891
135 years old
$166M
$166.4 million (2025)
1,973
1,474 undergrad · 499 grad
60 acres
Identity
Is Buena Vista University Worth It?
At a value score of 36/100, Buena Vista University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $49,156 — 9% below average — while paying $18,846/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.5 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 54% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 51% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Buena Vista University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Buena Vista University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #56 of 164 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #6 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #56 | Buena Vista University | 36 | $18,846 | $49,156 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Buena Vista University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 10 in IA.
Best Programs at Buena Vista University
The highest-earning program at Buena Vista University is Accounting and Related Services at $45,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $25,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Buena Vista University earns $45,000, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $25,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $24,429 in median debt vs. $21,625 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,846/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $45,000 | $45,000 | $24,429 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,700 | $39,700 | $19,379 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $39,300 | $39,300 | $21,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $37,700 | $37,700 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $36,800 | $36,800 | $29,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,200 | $33,200 | $24,908 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $31,200 | $31,200 | $21,101 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $28,000 | $28,000 | $24,454 |
| Psychology, General | $25,500 | $25,500 | $21,625 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Storm Lake, IA
- Student Body
- 1,366 students
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Graduation Rate
- 54%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,846
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $49,156
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000