Buena Vista University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At Buena Vista, the bigger planning question may be cost, not admission: average merit awards are large, but the available data does not tie them to test scores. For ACT, submit only if it strengthens your application, ideally near the top of the 19 to 26 range.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Buena Vista University facts and stats
Buena Vista University enrolls about 810 undergraduate students in a small-town campus setting. Buena Vista has a 77% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 62%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1.
Storm Lake, IA
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Key Buena Vista University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
—
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
June 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
If you choose to submit scores to test-optional Buena Vista, take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year so you can use the summer and fall for retakes. Since Buena Vista does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, use its Regular Decision deadline as your score-arrival cutoff and consider a fall retake for superscoring if scores will arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Buena Vista is a private not-for-profit, so the same rate applies to all students. Tuition and fees are $41,798, and 89% of students receive aid, with an average merit award of $30,812. Submit the FAFSA by the June 1 priority deadline.
Buena Vista’s listed cost of attendance is about $53,128 for tuition, fees, room, and board. Aid is common, with 89% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $37,642. Merit awards also play a major role, averaging $30,812. For context, graduates leave with an average debt of $32,607.
Student life at Buena Vista University
89% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
No fraternity or sorority life on campus.
Similar schools
Allen College
Waterloo, IAOrion Technical College
Davenport, IAAcceptance rate: 100%
Briar Cliff University
Sioux City, IAACT: 18–24
Central College
Pella, IAAcceptance rate: 86.2%
ACT: 20–26
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