Buena Vista University: Courses, Admission, Cost

The Presbyterian Church (USA) founded Buena Vista College (which became Buena Vista University in 1995) in 1891. The North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools first awarded accreditation to the college in 1952. In 1995, a higher education program obtained accreditation, facilitating the transfer from a college to a university. Through time, the campus has expanded from four small-area buildings to nearly two dozen structures that occupy a couple of blocks along Storm Lake's shores. The first college building, known as the "Old Main," was opened in 1892 and was the main campus structure until 1956 when it was demolished by fire.

The University of Buena Vista has a cumulative population of 1,847, representing students on Storm Lake campus and internet, website, and degree programs. Based on a response rate of over 94 percent, within six months of graduation, 99 percent of the 2019 Class was in graduate school or otherwise happy with their job status. During the last 40+ years, 16,000 students have earned Bachelor's degrees from BVU sites situated on campuses of community college.

The university believes that no student should have to compromise on their education due to lack of financial assistance, so they offer a host of financial aids:

Grants: If a student demonstrates the need for financial assistance, then they are eligible for Grants. The amount of the grant depends on the need, the cost of the program, and the status of enrollment. Scholarships: Scholarships are given out on the basis of merit, talent, or the need for financial assistance. These are non-repayable programs.

Work-Study Programs: Students who enroll in the Federal Work-Study Program get work opportunities either on the campus or off-campus. They are assigned different departments where they need to work for 12 hours a week and get paid the minimum wage. Loans: The university offers students the opportunity to take a loan for paying their college fees. These are repayable over a longer period of time. There are four types of loans offered by the university – Federal Direct Student Loans, Private Loans, Loan Repayment, Federal Direct PLUS Loans.

Buena Vista University maintains a healthy 9:1 ratio of students and teachers which ensures that each student gets personal attention from the teachers. This also makes sure that they get quality education from well-qualified professors.