Scholarships, Grants & Awards

At BVU, we demonstrate our belief in our students by providing the quality and benefits of a private college education at a reasonable and affordable cost. We do that by funding institutional scholarships, awards and grants that recognize the unique contribution each student brings to BVU.

Freshmen Scholarships, Grants & Awards
Transfer Scholarships, Grants & Awards

Freshmen Scholarships, Grants & Awards

Trustee Scholarships, amounting to full tuition, will be awarded to up to five freshmen each year. Applicants for this scholarship must meet two of the following criteria: 3.85 CGPA, 29 ACT or a high school class rank in the top 5 percent. Recipients will be selected through competition. Recipients must enroll full-time and may renew a Trustee Scholarship by maintaining a 3.25 CGPA and full-time status. Financial need is not required, but FAFSA completion is encouraged.

If a Trustee Scholarship recipient is eligible for State of Iowa grant funds, the amount available will be subtracted from the Trustee Scholarship. The total of all gift aid will never be less than the BVU tuition charge. However, an individual's financial need and direct charges may limit total gift aid (including outside scholarships) received.

Multicultural Scholarships, amounting to full tuition, double occupancy room and board, will be awarded through competition to up to four students of diverse populations each year. Recipients will have a strong academic and leadership background.

Recipients will be eligible to renew a Multicultural Scholarship by maintaining a 2.5 CGPA, full-time status, and meeting other criteria established and disclosed through the selection process. FAFSA filing is encouraged.

Any federal or state gift funds a Multicultural Scholarship recipient receives will be subtracted from the Multicultural Scholarship. The total of all gift aid will be limited to direct costs.

President's Scholarships range from $10,500 to $17,500 per year and are awarded based on academic engagement in high school, ACT score and residency status. This scholarship is renewable for four years with a BVU CGPA of 2.5.

Merit Awards range from $5,000 to $14,500 per year and are awarded based on academic engagement in high school, ACT score and residency status. This award is renewable for four years with a BVU CGPA of 2.5.

Challenge Grants of up to $7,000 per year offer a one-time opportunity to increase the grant by up to $2,000 as a result of earning and maintaining a BVU CGPA of 2.2.

Eligible students may receive only one of the above scholarships, awards or grants per year and are able to renew the amount offered based on the renewal requirements indicated. The number of scholarships, awards and grants available is not limited and financial need is not required.

Buena Vista Grants are issued to some full-time students. Financial need and the total of other BVU gift aid awarded will determine if a grant is made. Students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress to renew the grant. The number of available grants is limited.

Participation Awards

Participation Awards in the amount of $500 are available to recognize and reward students who demonstrate talent and wish to participate in art/graphic design, theatre, music or media studies. Students will be required to audition or provide a portfolio, and are eligible to renew this award for a maximum of four years by meeting participation criteria.

Recognition Awards

Honors Program recipients receive a $2,000 travel stipend, priority class registration and research and conference funding. The Honors Program is available to entering freshmen who meet two of the following conditions: 3.75 CGPA, 28 ACT or a high school class rank in the top 10 percent.

The Dean's Fellowship Program is available to entering freshmen who meet two of the following conditions: 3.5 CGPA, 26 ACT or a high school class rank in the top 10 percent. Dean's Fellowship Program recipients receive a $2,000 travel stipend, $200 in academic enrichment funds and recognition at graduation.

Transfer Scholarships, Grants & Awards

A student is considered a transfer student after they have graduated from high school or completed their GED and have completed on semester at a community college or four-year college/university as a full-time students (12 hours or more).

President's Scholarships range from $10,000 to $16,000 per year and are awarded based on a student's cumulative college grade point average and residency status. This scholarship is renewable for four years with a BVU CPGA of 2.5.

Merit Awards range from $9,000 to $14,000 per year and are awarded based on a student's cumulative college grade point average and residency status. This award is renewable for four years with a BVU CGPA of 2.5.

Heritage Grants range from $6,000 to $10,000 per year and are awarded based on a student's cumulative college grade point average and residency status. This grant is renewable for four years with a BVU CGPA of 2.5.

Eligible students may receive only one of the above scholarships, awards or grants per year and are able to renew the amount offered based on the renewal requirements indicated. The number of transfer scholarships/awards available is not limited. Financial need is not required.

Participation Awards

Recognition Awards

Honors Program recipients receive a $2,000 travel stipend, priority class registration and research and conference funding. The program is available to incoming transfer students with a CGPA of 3.5.