Buena Vista University

I find their art programs to my interest, and their courses align with the career I wish to take to become an educator.

Buena Vista University (BVU) is a small, private university in Storm Lake, Iowa. Known for its close-knit community and personalized learning environment, BVU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a strong emphasis on experiential learning. The university is particularly recognized for its education, business, and science programs and its commitment to online and hybrid learning options for non-traditional students. One of BVU’s standout features is its small class sizes, allowing students to receive individualized attention from faculty. The campus itself is scenic, sitting near Storm Lake, which adds to its appeal for students who enjoy a peaceful and picturesque setting. The university also provides various student organizations, athletics, and leadership opportunities, making campus life active and engaging. However, some students feel that the small-town location can be limiting in terms of entertainment and social activities outside campus. While the university has made efforts to modernize its facilities, some buildings and resources could benefit from further updates. Additionally, while BVU offers financial aid, tuition costs can still be a concern for some students. Overall, Buena Vista University is a great choice for students looking for a personalized education in a supportive environment. It’s best suited for those who appreciate smaller class sizes, strong faculty engagement, and a tight-knit campus community. While it may not offer the hustle and bustle of a large university, it provides a solid academic experience with opportunities for hands-on learning and career development.

This is my second year at BVU and the staff has been very helpful and nice. I feel very much at home away from home and believe I made the right choice for my BA and the staff is helping me make the right choices to move towards my master's. They have been very accommodating as well for other issues beyond academics as well.

I think Buena Vista University provides a great learning environment for students. Professors are always patient, kind, and extremely knowledgeable. The classwork is manageable and also includes interesting information. I enjoy Buena Vista University because the professors are passionate and also share my passions.

Buena Vista University (BVU) is a close knit school community with dedicated professors here to help you learn every bit of information you can. It has free access to academic tutors and many club organizations. We love to help the community as well and have a dedicated day off to help volunteer around the town. People that are here are usually here to learn so it shows the students drive to succeed as well. We have lots of places to study at, all with comfy studious furniture. While I admit the food isn't as great as it could be it's definitely better than high school cafeteria food. We also celebrate many cultures and have activities and events dedicated to presenting the wonders of each unique culture. It's truly a well rounded dedicated school focused on its students success.

It's a wonderful school. The teachers care about you. You can contact the teachers and they will get back to you. The classes are difficult but are well meaning classes. Do well on your key assignments, they are well weighted. Join a sorority, it is fun. Ask for help when you need it, not after.

Overall, Buena Vista University is a messy and very unorganized university. A lot of fraudulent things happen under that universities roof and they think the students don't know about it, but we do. The education provided is nowhere near equivalent to the amount we pay. We pay for a lot of unnecessary things and the treat us like our opinions don't matter despite us being the ones paying them for our benefit. It is very hard to graduate on time unless you have the administration backing you up or you're the family of alumni. They also need to work on their cultural awareness because a lot of the smaller town people are very ignorant the college campus is built right in the middle of one of the countries largest immigrant towns Storm Lake, Iowa. Overall, I would not recommend this university to anyone unless you have an abundance of money for people to just be playing around with for a mediocre education.

For single parents and working adults, this is the perfect choice in schooling. I have two children under the age of 7 and being able to take most of my classes online and still having the opportunity to do undergraduate research is amazing. I wish the offered the honors program to students like me who are unconventional and attend through a campus that is not equipped for the program.

Overall the atmosphere of Buena Vista University is well educated and more personal since it is a smaller school. Class sizes average around 20 or less students and classes usually become smaller in major specific courses. With the small class size teachers are allowed to get to know their students much more than they would be able to on a large campus with large class sizes.

Buena Vista University is in a small town with a close community with a lot of support for BVU. I've been at BVU since June and coming from California to Iowa is a big change, I've been welcomed by the other student and staff and feel at home. I think BVU will help me reach my educational goals.

Highly recommended

Buena Vista University provides students with a great education in a friendly environment all while pushing students personally and professionally. Located on the shores of Storm Lake, there are a number of activities to participate in and BVU competes in many division three athletic events. Every one of my professors know me by name and provide me the help and advice that I need. Finally, the small campus allows for great friendship and amazing opportunities for personal growth.

My overall opinion about Buena Vista University is that it is totally fabulous! I was so nervous to begin with. Going from high school to a college away from home. Turns out I had nothing to worry about. BV was with me the entire journey, and they will continue to be even after I graduate. This is my home away from home, everyone here is so nice, all of the staff here, oh my goodness. They are so easy to talk to and work with. I love it here!!! #BeaverNation

The classes are great and provide a variety of opportunities. Most of the teachers are accessible and care about the students. There are a few professors that do not respond, but the majority of the teachers I have worked with have been responsive. However, the academic adviser I have been working with is non-responsive and has never asked my input when enrolling me in classes. It was very difficult to get a hold of her and she rarely answered emails. She did not notify any of her students that she would no longer be with the school after the start of the current term, so it was a surprise when we received an email from the main office saying we would not have an academic adviser at this time. That made getting placed for an observation class difficult, but we are fighters so I perused and reached out to a school myself for placement.

I feel right at home which helps being an out-of-state student. The atmosphere is great and everyone is friendly and supportive. A great school overall.