Skip to content

Buena Vista University vs Waldorf University

Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, IA. Waldorf University is a private for-profit university in Forest City, IA. Waldorf University admits about 77% of applicants and Buena Vista University about 78%, making Waldorf 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 $19,693 at Waldorf University. About 54% of students graduate at Buena Vista University, compared with 24% at Waldorf University. Ten years after enrolling, Waldorf University alumni earn a median of about $51,165, 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

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private

Waldorf University

Forest City, IA · Private (for-profit)
At a glance
Type
Private
Private (for-profit)
Location
Storm Lake, IA
Forest City, IA
Setting
Suburban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,366
1,827
Acceptance rate
78%
77%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
920–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
17–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,846
$19,693
Full cost / yr
$54,222
$39,675
In-state tuition
$41,798
$25,978
Out-of-state tuition
$41,798
$25,978
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,901
$16,448
$30k - $48k
$14,838
$18,378
$48k - $75k
$18,094
$23,045
$75k - $110k
$19,571
$21,244
Over $110k
$24,967
$23,667
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
24%
Freshman retention
76%
44%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,572
$50,515
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,156
$51,165
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$18,752
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
36%
First-generation students
35%
46%
International students
1%
0%
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 Waldorf University harder to get into?
Waldorf 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 Waldorf University?
Buena Vista University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,846 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $19,693 at Waldorf 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 Waldorf University?
Before aid, Waldorf University costs about $39,675 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 Waldorf University?
Buena Vista University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,901 there, against about $16,448 at Waldorf 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 Waldorf University?
Waldorf University is the larger of the two, with about 1,827 undergraduates against 1,366 at Buena Vista University.
Does Buena Vista University or Waldorf University have a better graduation rate?
Buena Vista University has the higher graduation rate, at about 54% against 24% at Waldorf University.
Do graduates of Buena Vista University or Waldorf University earn more?
Waldorf University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,165 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 Waldorf University require SAT or ACT scores?
Buena Vista University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Waldorf University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Buena Vista University and Waldorf University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at Buena Vista University and 920–1110 at Waldorf University. 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.

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