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Buena Vista University vs Cornell College

Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, IA. Cornell College is a private college in Mount Vernon, IA. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants and Cornell College about 80%, making Buena Vista University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,846 a year at Buena Vista University after aid, and about $23,634 at Cornell College. About 67% of students graduate at Cornell College, compared with 54% at Buena Vista University. Ten years after enrolling, Cornell College alumni earn a median of about $53,460, against $49,156 for Buena Vista University.

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Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private

Cornell College

Mount Vernon, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Storm Lake, IA
Mount Vernon, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,366
1,086
Acceptance rate
78%
80%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.44–3.94
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
1120–1285
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
23–30
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,846
$23,634
Full cost / yr
$54,222
$66,249
In-state tuition
$41,798
$52,660
Out-of-state tuition
$41,798
$52,660
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,901
$16,409
$30k - $48k
$14,838
$18,513
$48k - $75k
$18,094
$20,177
$75k - $110k
$19,571
$22,944
Over $110k
$24,967
$29,298
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
67%
Freshman retention
76%
80%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,572
$39,299
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,156
$53,460
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
32%
First-generation students
35%
20%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
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 Cornell College harder to get into?
Buena Vista University is harder to get into. It admits about 78% of applicants, compared with 80% at Cornell College. 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 Cornell College?
Buena Vista University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,846 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,634 at Cornell College. 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 Cornell College?
Before aid, Buena Vista University costs about $54,222 a year and Cornell College about $66,249. 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 Cornell College?
Buena Vista University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,901 there, against about $16,409 at Cornell College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Buena Vista University or Cornell College?
Buena Vista University is the larger of the two, with about 1,366 undergraduates against 1,086 at Cornell College.
Does Buena Vista University or Cornell College have a better graduation rate?
Cornell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 67% against 54% at Buena Vista University.
Do graduates of Buena Vista University or Cornell College earn more?
Cornell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $53,460 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 Cornell College require SAT or ACT scores?
Buena Vista University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Cornell College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Buena Vista University and Cornell College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at Buena Vista University and 1120–1285 at Cornell 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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