1891
Storm Lake, IA

About Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University focuses on academic excellence and student success as an institution of higher education.  Respect and inclusiveness thrive in this diverse student community, as well as transformational experiences, turning students into driven professionals.

Buena Vista University online provides the opportunity to earn master’s degrees in leadership and educationUndergraduate courses in business, marketing, and more are also available to the degree-seeking student.  With flexible scheduling and start dates, BVU online is a great choice for working adult learners.

Accreditation & Licensing

Buena Vista University is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Type:

4-year, Private not-for-profit

Highest Level Offered:

Master's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Presbyterian Church (USA)

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 1,788 ; Graduate: 729

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 54% ; Graduate: 100%

Graduation Rate:

62%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$49,156

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$25,000

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

88%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$22,940

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Buena Vista University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Art & Liberal Arts

Bachelor of Applied Studies
Bachelor of Arts (General/Distributive)

Business

Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management
Best Buy degree
Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Criminal Justice, Safety & Law

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Education

Best Buy degree
Master of Education in Special Education
Popular degreeBest Buy degree
Master of Education in Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, & Instruction

Healthcare

Bachelor in Health Services Leadership

Psychology & Human Services

Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
GetEducated Team Takes
Tony’s Take

Buena Vista University is mixed, but leans positive. Professors are approachable and understanding. Advisors help students set up classes. Many students feel known, not anonymous.

Scheduling can work for busy adults. Online classes can fit full-time work and life. Another common pattern is day work plus two night classes. That makes progress possible without pausing a job.

The uneven part is execution. Some classes have busy work and light discussion. Field-experience guidance can be inconsistent. Admin processes, including aid steps, can feel bumpy. Transfer credit may not fully apply, which can extend time to finish.

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Reviewed By GetEducated
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Frequently Asked Questions About Buena Vista University

Is Buena Vista University accredited?

Yes. Buena Vista University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How many online programs does Buena Vista University offer?

Buena Vista University offers 10 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Buena Vista University offer?

Buena Vista University offers both bachelor's and master's level programs.

How should students contact admissions at Buena Vista University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Buena Vista University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Buena Vista University falls into GetEducated’s $$$ tuition tier, which points to a higher tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Buena Vista University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask Buena Vista University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most Buena Vista University programs require?

Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.8.

Is Buena Vista University military friendly?

Buena Vista University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.

How can students request information from Buena Vista University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for Buena Vista University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Occupational License, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Official High School Transcript/GED Score. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Buena Vista University accept life experience credit?

Buena Vista University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.

Are Buena Vista University programs fully online or mixed?

Buena Vista University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Buena Vista University offer?

Buena Vista University has online program options in areas such as Art & Liberal Arts, Business, Education, and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Buena Vista University?

For programs with both totals published, in-state and out-of-state tuition totals are typically the same.

Do any Buena Vista University programs have state authorization limitations?

State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at Buena Vista University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Buena Vista University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Buena Vista University programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

What should students compare before choosing a Buena Vista University program?

Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.

Featured Ranking Reports

Buena Vista University is featured in 5 of our ranking reports!

GetEducated continually compiles custom ranking reports to give you a complete snapshot of schools, degrees, tuition, and a detailed report on thousands of job categories throughout the entire education industry.

We provide these comprehensive ranking reports to you, for free. Click on any report below to learn more about how we ranked this school.

Geographic and Educational Overview

Google Map

Buena Vista University is located in Iowa

Iowa at a Glance:

State flag of IA
Des Moines
3,190,369
56,273 sq mi
3
34
15
$9,200.00

Top Majors in Iowa:

Top Incentives in Iowa:

Top Career Pathways in Iowa:

Agricultural Management
  • Entry Level: Farm Manager ($55,000)
  • Mid Level: Agricultural Operations Manager ($85,000)
  • Senior Level: Agricultural Director ($130,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Agricultural Science
  • Certifications: CCA, CPAg
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced