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Buena Vista University vs Saint Ambrose University

Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, IA, and Saint Ambrose University is a private university in Davenport, IA. Saint Ambrose University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 77% of applicants against 78% at Buena Vista University. Buena Vista University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $18,846 a year against $24,691 at Saint Ambrose University. About 62% of students graduate at Saint Ambrose University, compared with 54% at Buena Vista University. Ten years after enrolling, Saint Ambrose University alumni earn a median of about $59,531, against $49,156 for Buena Vista University.

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Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private

Saint Ambrose University

Davenport, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Storm Lake, IA
Davenport, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,366
1,916
Acceptance rate
78%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
930–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
20–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test blind
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,846
$24,691
Full cost / yr
$54,222
$51,141
In-state tuition
$41,798
$36,658
Out-of-state tuition
$41,798
$36,658
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,901
$22,037
$30k - $48k
$14,838
$21,729
$48k - $75k
$18,094
$22,408
$75k - $110k
$19,571
$24,776
Over $110k
$24,967
$27,807
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
62%
Freshman retention
76%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,572
$51,616
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,156
$59,531
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
32%
First-generation students
35%
28%
International students
1%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

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 Saint Ambrose University harder to get into?
Saint Ambrose University is harder to get into. It admits about 77% 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 Saint Ambrose University?
Buena Vista University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,846 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,691 at Saint Ambrose 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 Saint Ambrose University?
Before aid, Saint Ambrose University costs about $51,141 a year and Buena Vista University about $54,222. 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 Saint Ambrose University?
Buena Vista University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,901 there, against about $22,037 at Saint Ambrose 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 Saint Ambrose University?
Saint Ambrose University is the larger of the two, with about 1,916 undergraduates against 1,366 at Buena Vista University.
Does Buena Vista University or Saint Ambrose University have a better graduation rate?
Saint Ambrose University has the higher graduation rate, at about 62% against 54% at Buena Vista University.
Do graduates of Buena Vista University or Saint Ambrose University earn more?
Saint Ambrose University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,531 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 Saint Ambrose University require SAT or ACT scores?
Buena Vista University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Saint Ambrose University is test blind and does not consider SAT or ACT scores at all.
What SAT scores do Buena Vista University and Saint Ambrose University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at Buena Vista University and 930–1170 at Saint Ambrose University. 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