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Luther College and Buena Vista University are both private nonprofit institutions — Luther College in Decorah, IA and Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, IA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Decorah, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 71.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,379
Tuition: $52,120/year
Student-faculty ratio: 9.0:1
Graduation rate: 71.1%
Top programs: Health professions, Visual and performing arts, Business and marketing
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Decorah, IA with published program strength in Health professions and Visual and performing arts.
Storm Lake, IA · Private
Acceptance rate: 77.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 1,366
Tuition: $41,798/year
Student-faculty ratio: 13.0:1
Graduation rate: 61.7%
Top programs: Education, Business and marketing, Public administration and social service
Best for: Students who want a private campus in Storm Lake, IA with published program strength in Education and Business and marketing.
| Factor | Luther College | Buena Vista University |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 71.5% | 77.6% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1078–1406 |
| 1120 average |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 22–29 | 19–26 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,379 | 1,366 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $52,120/year | $41,798/year |
| Average net price after aid | $23,097 | $18,846 |
| Graduation rate | 71.1% | 61.7% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $59,850 | $49,156 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 9.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Institution type | Private nonprofit | Private nonprofit |
| Location | Decorah, IA | Storm Lake, IA |
| Largest program areas | Health professions, Visual and performing arts, Business and marketing | Education, Business and marketing, Public administration and social service |
Luther College is more selective (71.5% vs 77.6% acceptance rate). Buena Vista University has a lower average net price after grant aid ($18,846 vs $23,097). Luther College reports the higher graduation rate (71.1% vs 61.7%). Luther College is the larger undergraduate campus (1,379 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
Common questions when choosing between Luther College and Buena Vista University
Luther College has an acceptance rate of 71.5%; Buena Vista University is around 77.6%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
Luther College tuition is $52,120/year. Buena Vista University is $41,798/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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