Investing in Students

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Nearly all students on the Storm Lake campus receive some form of financial assistance. About 23 percent of our operating budget is allocated to scholarships and financial aid, which is a major commitment, but places considerable pressure on the operating budget.

By adding more endowed scholarships, BVU will be able to enhance its commitment to selecting students based on performance, dedication and promise alone. By having greater flexibility in meeting students’ financial needs, BVU will also gain a competitive edge in recruiting students.

Internships and Undergraduate Research

Internships are essential in today’s marketplace. They give students relevant work experience, help them evaluate career options, and open the door to valuable professional connections that often lead to that all-important first job after graduation. Because internships are often unpaid, they can become "missed opportunities" for students who cannot afford the necessary travel and living expenses, or foregoing income from summer employment.

Undergraduate research in collaboration with faculty is another opportunity to engage and retain students. Such experiences help students hone their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and prepare for the job market, and graduate and professional studies.

To make internship and research opportunities accessible to more students, BVU intends to secure endowment funds to help students subsidize the costs related to these experiences.

Global Engagement

International travel and study abroad provide a distinctive BVU element to a student’s undergraduate degree, and can be a clear advantage as students start their careers in a competitive job market. Students who have global experiences are likely to become more independent, more confident and have a greater appreciation for life and other cultures beyond the Midwest and the United States. We want to make these opportunities accessible to more students, and that takes additional gifts to endow stipends, awards and grants.