Affordable College is Here
If price wasn’t a factor, wouldn't you choose to go to get an education tailored to your interests? Ranked a Best Value School among regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report, BVU is committed to keeping college tuition affordable. That’s why 100 percent of our students who apply for financial aid receive it.
was the average accepted award for Fall 2019 new students.
in institutional gift aid was awarded in 2019.
of our financial aid is grants and scholarships- which never has to be repaid!
Tuition & Support
2021-22 Tuition and Costs
Full-time tuition: $37,518
$18,759 per semester
Room and board: $10,370
$5,114 room, $5,256 Marquis board
Room and board costs may vary depending on housing and meal plan options
Total: $47,888
With You All the Way
Don’t let the price tag freak you out. We’ll work with you to make your private education as affordable as possible.
Our Fall 2019 New Student Financial Aid Award Components:
Scholarships and Grants: 81%
Work: 3%
Loans: 16%
A Degree Makes the Difference
A BVU education provides an excellent return on your investment.
100 percent of our 2019 graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduating
Buena Vista University has been ranked #4 Best Value among Regional Universities (Midwest) in U.S. News & World Report's 2020 Best Colleges rankings.
Tuition Cut in Half
BVU was with Jaelyn every step of the way, including the fellowship that allowed her to intern at three different pharmacies, and scholarships that took a huge chunk out of college costs.
BVU offered me a scholarship that cut my tuition in half. The Iowa Tuition Grant and federal loans through filing the FAFSA helped, too! I only pay for room and board out of pocket.
Scholarships & Awards
Merit-Based Awards
President’s Scholarship
$22,000-$27,000/year
Heritage Scholarship
$19,000-$24,000/year
Arch Scholarship
$18,000-$23,000/year
Blue Award
$17,000-$22,000/year
Gold Award
$11,000-$16,000/year
Honors Program
Encourages students to take their academic talents further with specialized courses, dialogue, and research work.
$2,500 travel stipend
Priority class registration
Research and conference funding
Other Awards and Grants
Fine Arts & Media Awards
For those who major and/or participate in art, digital media, music, creative writing, and more.
Buena Vista Grants
Issued to some full-time students, determined by financial need.
Beaver Visit Grant
For student entering in Fall 2021 who make a BVU visit.
Invest in Rural Iowa Scholarship
For first-generation college students from Northwest Iowa, with strong academic records who are heavily involved in their communities.
Value-Added Funding
Funding above and beyond your BVU scholarships
Tanner's first trip to Chile introduced him to a researcher who asked Tanner to return for continued plant-stressed biology research on his own. Tanner's trips to Chile were fully funded through value-added funds from BVU. These funds assist students with travel, research, internships, and more!
Learn more about BVU
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