Buena Vista University vs Luther College
Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, IA. Luther College is a private college in Decorah, IA. Luther College admits about 72% of applicants and Buena Vista University about 78%, making Luther College 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 $23,097 at Luther College. About 73% of students graduate at Luther College, compared with 54% at Buena Vista University. Ten years after enrolling, Luther College alumni earn a median of about $59,850, against $49,156 for Buena Vista University.
See which of these two fits you, and what each would actually cost you.
Start the free quiz
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.
- Is Buena Vista University or Luther College harder to get into?
- Luther College is harder to get into. It admits about 72% 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 Luther College?
- Buena Vista University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,846 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,097 at Luther 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 Luther College?
- Before aid, Buena Vista University costs about $54,222 a year and Luther College about $65,461. 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 Luther College?
- Luther College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,517 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 Luther College?
- Luther College is the larger of the two, with about 1,379 undergraduates against 1,366 at Buena Vista University.
- Does Buena Vista University or Luther College have a better graduation rate?
- Luther College has the higher graduation rate, at about 73% against 54% at Buena Vista University.
- Do graduates of Buena Vista University or Luther College earn more?
- Luther College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,850 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 Luther College require SAT or ACT scores?
- Buena Vista University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Luther College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Buena Vista University and Luther College look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at Buena Vista University and 1078–1406 at Luther College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.