Storm Lake, IA · Private University
Is Buena Vista University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$49,156
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$40,190
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,190
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$160,760
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.22x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
11.4 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
47.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,321
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Buena Vista University graduates earn $4,156 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Buena Vista University ranked by graduate earnings
51 graduates
33 graduates
63 graduates
26 graduates
19 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Buena Vista University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Buena Vista University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Finance and Financial Management Services: $65,642) and the lowest (Psychology, General: $34,524) is $31,118/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management ServicesBest ROI | $65,642 | 1.6x |
| Biology, General | $63,633 | 1.6x |
| Marketing | $56,472 | 1.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $53,364 | 1.3x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $51,571 | 1.3x |
| Business/Commerce, General(1yr data) | $48,810 | 1.2x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $47,951 | 1.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $47,754 | 1.2x |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations | $46,614 | 1.2x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $40,460 | 1.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,878 | 1.0x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $37,512 | 0.9x |
| Psychology, GeneralLowest | $34,524 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Buena Vista University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $49,156 10 years after starting, $4,156 above the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 11.4 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.