About

About Buena Vista University

private masters universitysmall class sizeseducation and business focustest optional admissions

Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, IA, known for its private masters university, small class sizes, and education and business focus. With an acceptance rate of 77%, Buena Vista University is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 236 students each year. Buena Vista University is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 930–1130, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Buena Vista University offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $32,931 per year; the sticker price of $51,796 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Buena Vista University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

77%
Overall Accept Rate
1030
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 930 – 1130 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Buena Vista University

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Demonstrated Interest
Buena Vista University is a small campus in Storm Lake and admissions staff genuinely notice when students make the trip out to visit. Schedule a campus tour and request a meeting with an admissions counselor to put a face to your application.
Essay Strategy
BVU is known for its experiential learning model, so use your essay or activities section to highlight hands-on experiences like internships, research, or community projects that show you thrive when learning by doing.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Buena Vista University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$52k/yr$12.9k
30k-48k~$52k/yr$14.8k
48k-75k~$52k/yr$18.1k
75k-110k~$52k/yr$19.6k
110k+~$52k/yr$25.0k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

47%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$44k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
10:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,460
Undergrad Enrollment
Buena Vista University Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch