Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 52.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.3%
- Retention Rate
- 76.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $49,156
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.2%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $58,943 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $47,494 | $23,270 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 | $20,700 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $45,455 | $31,671 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $21,833 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,089 | $25,000 |
| Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | Bachelor | $39,369 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $28,900 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,819 | $28,000 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $20,834 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $35,416 | $20,931 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $20,750 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $30,047 | $23,826 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,598 |
Outcomes Overview
Buena Vista graduates earn a median of $49,156 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 51% with typical debt of $25,000. Monthly loan payments of $265 consume about 6.5% of gross income, which sits near the recommended 10% threshold. The 96.5% employment rate reflects strong job placement in education and business fields where many graduates build careers. However, the modest earnings compared to the $52,218 total cost of attendance suggests limited financial upside. Rural Iowa's lower cost of living helps stretch dollars further than coastal markets. Given the substantial investment against moderate earning potential, Buena Vista offers an average return on investment for most students.