Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, Iowa
Buena Vista University is a private institution in Storm Lake, Iowa with 1,378 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $40,190 compared with a Iowa nursing-school average of $22,026. The school reports a graduation rate of 47.3%, median earnings of $49,156, and median federal debt of $25,000.
$40,190 is higher than the state average of $22,026.
47.3% is lower than the state average of 54.2%.
$49,156 is higher than the state average of $43,462.
About Buena Vista University
| Location | Storm Lake, Iowa |
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.bvu.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $40,190 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $40,190 |
| Total Enrollment | 1,378 |
| Acceptance Rate | 71.8% |
| Graduation Rate | 47.3% |
| Retention Rate | 76.3% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $49,156 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $265 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 42.5% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 68.8% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
42.5% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 68.8% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is common in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Buena Vista University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $160,760, while the reported median debt is $25,000 with an estimated monthly payment of $265. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (78.7%), followed by Hispanic students (12.2%) and Black students (3.0%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($49,156) divided by median debt ($25,000)