Located on the shores of beautiful Storm Lake, Buena Vista University prepares students for lifelong success by blending liberal arts with real-world applications. The traditional campus hosts students in a variety of 45+ majors and pre-professional programs, including business and accounting, education, and biological and chemical sciences.

BVU is known for quality education programs and is the only school in Iowa with a major in special education. Recent science graduates are continuing their education in medical and chiropractic school, atmospherics, genetics, and more; and, the school of business alone has more than 400 internship options available to students.

With a student to faculty ratio of 9:1 and an average class size of 14, BVU students receive attention from experienced faculty who ensure success - inside and outside of the classroom. In fact, 98 percent of 2018 graduates were employed or attending graduate school within six months of graduation.

In addition to class, BVU students benefit from the American Rivers Conference athletics and 60+ student-led clubs and organizations. BVU's motto is Education for Service; during the 2017-18 school year, BVU students, faculty, and staff volunteered approximately 56,000 service hours for the city, schools, churches, local organizations, and other locations.

BVU is also among the most financially stable private colleges in Iowa. Each year, BVU provides approximately $14 million in student financial assistance out of its operating budget. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all.

About Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University has a total enrollment of 1,847, serving students on our Storm Lake campus and online, site, and graduate programs. Based on a response rate of over 96 percent, 97 percent of the Class of 2018 was employed, in graduate school or otherwise satisfied with their career status within six months of graduation. In the past 40+ years, more than 16,000 students have received bachelor-s degrees from BVU sites located on community college campuses. The average student-faculty ratio is 9:1. The average class range is 10-19 students. BVU students, faculty and staff volunteered approximately 56,000 service hours for the city, schools, churches, local organizations, and other locations. Volunteers at Buenafication Day help beautify the campus and provide needed services to off-campus, community sites. This proud tradition continues each year. Over 70 percent of Storm Lake campus graduates and 90 percent of offsite graduates stay in Iowa to work and contribute to their professions and their communities. Last year, 195 students completed internships, not including student teaching, research, or other applied learning opportunities. One hundred percent of full-time Storm Lake campus students who applied for financial assistance last year received it. Each year, BVU provides approximately $14 million in student financial assistance out of its operating budget. More than 45 percent of BVU students participate in intercollegiate athletics on more than 20 collegiate teams. Buena Vista University is a member of the American Rivers Athletic Conference in NCAA Division III.

Mission Statement

We prepare students for lifelong success through transformational academic, professional and co-curricular programs.