Buena Vista University
Campus Identity
Buena Vista University is a small private nonprofit university in Storm Lake, IA. Approximately 1,366 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 78% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Storm Lake, just 0 miles from the water. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 45/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Follow Along
@buenavistauniv
Follow on X (Twitter)
At a Glance
Buena Vista University is a small private nonprofit university in Storm Lake, IA. Approximately 1,366 students are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 78% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Storm Lake, just 0 miles from the water. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 45/100 (Less Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.
Campus Lifestyle
Buena Vista University is a 1,000–4,999, small-town school with NCAA D3 athletics and an active Greek scene. The campus is 77 miles from Seven Oaks Recreation.
Athletics
NCAA D3
American Rivers
Greek Life
Active Organizations
Fraternities & sororities present
School Size & Setting
1,000–4,999
Town setting
Weather
Cold Climate
39°F avg school-year
Nearby Ski Resorts
Buena Vista University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Seven Oaks Recreation, 77 miles away with 4 lifts and 35 skiable acres. All are within 98 miles of campus.
South Dakota
Lake Life Campus
Storm Lake is less than a mile from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Buena Vista University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.
Storm Lake
Lake access within 0.2 miles
Average Monthly Temperature
1991–2020 Climate Normals · Storm Lake, IA
Storm Lake has a cool climate, with winters averaging 17°F in Jan and summers peaking around 73°F in Jul.
Station: STORM LAKE · Source: NOAA NCEI
On Campus Safety Score
2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students
Buena Vista University in IA earns a composite safety score of 45/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.
On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.
Cost Breakdown
2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.
| Cost Item | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $41,798 |
| Room & Board | $11,330 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $53,128 |
What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.
Fields of Study
62 programs offered
Most Popular Programs
Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Buena Vista University located?
Buena Vista University is located in Storm Lake, IA. The main campus address is 610 W 4th St, Storm Lake, IA. It is a private institution offering 4-year degree programs.
What is the acceptance rate at Buena Vista University?
Buena Vista University has an acceptance rate of 78%, making it accessible. Out of 1,389 applicants, 1,078 were admitted in the most recent year. 1,366 students enrolled.
What ACT score do you need for Buena Vista University?
The middle 50% of enrolled students at Buena Vista University scored between 19 and 26 on the ACT, with a median of 22. About 33% of enrolled students submitted ACT scores. Scoring in this range will put you within the typical range, though admissions decisions consider many factors.
How much does it cost to attend Buena Vista University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, Buena Vista University charges $41,798/year in tuition. Including room and board ($11,330/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $37,518/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $18,846/year — what students actually pay. Use Buena Vista University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
Does Buena Vista University have college sports?
Yes — Buena Vista University competes at the NCAA D3 level in the American Rivers. Division III programs emphasize academic achievement alongside athletic competition, without athletic scholarships.
Is Buena Vista University the right fit for me?
Whether Buena Vista University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (78% admit rate), avg net price ($18,846/year after aid), campus culture in Storm Lake, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Buena Vista University against similar schools side-by-side.
Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Buena Vista University directly for the most current information.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Private
- Location
- Storm Lake, IA
- Size
- 1,000–4,999
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor's, Master's
- NCAA
- NCAA D3
- Conference
- American Rivers
- School Year Weather
- Cold · 39°F avg
- On Campus Safety Score
- 45/100
- Nearest Airport
- Fort Dodge, IA (FOD) · 52 mialso SUX (62 mi), OMA (99 mi)
Location
Storm Lake, IA