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Buena Vista University vs Coe College

Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, IA. Coe College is a private college in Cedar Rapids, IA. Coe College admits about 64% of applicants and Buena Vista University about 78%, making Coe College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,745 a year at Coe College after aid, and about $18,846 at Buena Vista University. About 62% of students graduate at Coe College, compared with 54% at Buena Vista University. Ten years after enrolling, Coe College alumni earn a median of about $57,125, against $49,156 for Buena Vista University.

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Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private

Coe College

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Storm Lake, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,366
1,164
Acceptance rate
78%
64%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.45–3.95
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
1070–1290
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
23–29
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,846
$18,745
Full cost / yr
$54,222
$67,372
In-state tuition
$41,798
$54,666
Out-of-state tuition
$41,798
$54,666
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,901
$11,479
$30k - $48k
$14,838
$11,523
$48k - $75k
$18,094
$14,475
$75k - $110k
$19,571
$20,223
Over $110k
$24,967
$27,167
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
62%
Freshman retention
76%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,572
$47,136
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,156
$57,125
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
36%
First-generation students
35%
24%
International students
1%
4%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Dec 10
Regular decision
Rolling
Mar 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Buena Vista University or Coe College harder to get into?
Coe College is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 78% at Buena Vista University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Buena Vista University or Coe College?
Coe College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,745 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $18,846 at Buena Vista University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Buena Vista University and Coe College?
Before aid, Buena Vista University costs about $54,222 a year and Coe College about $67,372. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Buena Vista University or Coe College?
Coe College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,479 there, against about $12,901 at Buena Vista University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Buena Vista University or Coe College?
Buena Vista University is the larger of the two, with about 1,366 undergraduates against 1,164 at Coe College.
Does Buena Vista University or Coe College have a better graduation rate?
Coe College has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 54% at Buena Vista University.
Do graduates of Buena Vista University or Coe College earn more?
Coe College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $57,125 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,156 for Buena Vista University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Buena Vista University and Coe College require SAT or ACT scores?
Buena Vista University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Coe College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Buena Vista University and Coe College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at Buena Vista University and 1070–1290 at Coe College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school