About Buena Vista University

Founded in 1891, Buena Vista University. is a Private college. Located in Iowa, which is a city setting in Iowa, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 1,921 full time undergraduate students, and 193 full time graduate students.

The Buena Vista University Academic calendar runs on a Four-one-four plan basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 10:1. There are 80 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Buena Vista University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate63%
Application Deadline
Application Fee0
SAT Range840-1000
ACT Range19-26

Admissions at BVU are considered Selective, with ,8% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 15 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

80% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 42% were in the top quarter, and 17% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Buena Vista University.

0%
“We”re apathetic”
25%
“We know about current events and vote”
67%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
42%
“Sometimes, but not often”
33%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
25%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
8%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
92%
“I feel extremely safe”
17%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
33%
“We bought the gear”
50%
“We live for the big game”
8%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
67%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
8%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
42%
“They”re always available”
67%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
17%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
17%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
33%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
67%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
25%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
67%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
25%
“We know about current events and vote”
67%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
0%
“We save it for the classroom”
42%
“Sometimes, but not often”
33%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
25%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
8%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
92%
“I feel extremely safe”
17%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
33%
“We bought the gear”
50%
“We live for the big game”
8%
“It”s not really our thing”
17%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
67%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
8%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
58%
“They keep regular office hours”
42%
“They”re always available”
67%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
17%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
17%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
33%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
67%
“We only party on weekends”
0%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
25%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
67%
“There might be people who do”
0%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
Write a review, Enter to win $1,000 Scholarship

  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    24 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    13 Students rated off-campus housing 2 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    25 Students rated campus food 3 stars. 4 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    30 Students rated campus facilities 4.4 stars. 53 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    30 Students rated class size 4.5 stars. 53 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    28 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    28 Students rated local services 3.9 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    30 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 43 % gave the school a 5.0.

Buena Vista University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Buena Vista University?

14 Students rated Buena Vista University

Niya - 11/01/2021

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.

Kelli - 08/26/2020

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.

Elisabeth - 02/10/2020

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.

Ashley - 04/27/2019

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.

Buena Vista University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Buena Vista University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Buena Vista University is 63%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Don't get lost in the hustle bustle of college, alcohol, dating. Focus on your schoolwork. In 5 years, the classes you skipped, the parties you went to, and the people you dated will mean NOTHING, but the grades you got or didn't get, will follow you for the rest of your life. Future schools and jobs look at your transcripts and it could make or break furthering your education or getting that dream job. Focus.

    Read all 28 answers

  3. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Having a special mini semester which people call Jterm makes Buena Vista University (BVU). Special classes are offered that aren't offered during regular semester. There are travel classes to Russia, Hawaii, Florida, South Africa and many more. Different travel Jterm classes are offered during different years. Our class sizes are small which makes class discussions interesting and make getting to know your professors much easier. BVU offers a lot of classes for such a smaller university. They also offer assistance for people that need a little help in the classroom such as note takers and getting notes from professors.

    Read all 8 answers

  4. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    My school is expensive! I have a hard time paying tuition and that is really challenging.

    Read all 7 answers

  5. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    It is a nice college that allows it's student a chance to succed, it is just a little small/

    Read all 6 answers

  6. Describe the students at your school.

    Hardworking

    Read all 6 answers

  7. What's unique about your campus?

    The best thing about Buena Vista Univerity is that the campus is very friendly, so a student makes friends easily in the students major along with making friends from other majors as well. I have made many new friends whom share the same major as I do which allows me to collaborate with on projects but also friends whom have a different major that I get along with extreamly well.

    Read all 5 answers

  8. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    I wish I had known that the traveling distance will wear on me.

    Read all 5 answers

  9. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    My college is best known for its size. Due to our size, they are able to provide one on one attention to students, small class sizes, more financial aide and also a high job placement rate.

    Read all 4 answers

  10. What kind of person should attend this school?

    one that is education focused and one who wants to focus on having a career

    Read all 4 answers

  11. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    I believe if you like smaller class sizes and a close enviornment BVU is the school for you. I think small town kids would have a better fit and would succeed. At BVU everyone knows everyone and everyone is friendly. It is a great warm atmosphere.

    Read all 4 answers

  12. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    The cost.

    Read all 4 answers

  13. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The friendly atmosphere. I really enjoy how I can walk down the sidewalk and know almost everyone.

    Read all 2 answers

  14. What are the academics like at your school?

    The academics are diverse, but are major foundations that can instill a future plan. BVU academics are more traditional, but its how you use the information, not what you get.

    Read all 1 answers

  15. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    The popular groups and activities are groups that are very active in providing something to do for the student body. another game or activity usually played is lawn golf. every once in a while during the weekends the activities start to pick up.

    Read all 1 answers

  16. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    The classes are during the evenings only and are compressed into eight week terms. Only two courses are taken at a time. Class size is intimate on a shared campus. Online classes are available. Assistance is also always available.

    Read all 1 answers

Student Body

Students

66%

female

34%

male

1,921

Total Undergrad Enrollment

193

Total Grad Students

30%

Out-Of-State

67%

In-State

3%

International

Organizations

60

Student Organizations

N/A

Fraternities

N/A

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

41%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
1%
% Black or African-American
2%
% Hispanic/Latino
3%
% White or Caucasian
82%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

100% of students attending Buena Vista University receive some sort of financial aid. 35% were awarded federal grants. While 75% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$32,210

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$999

Books and Supplies

$9,304

Room and Board

42,513

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$16,041
$30 - $48K
$16,621
$48 - $75K
$17,543
$75 - $110K
$21,593
$110K & UP
$25,285

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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