Build Bigger Opportunities

You’ll come here because you’re serious about your education—and we are too. With the help of dedicated faculty that invest in you and your goals, you’ll build and achieve the education you want. As a community, we’re devoted to your success from start to finish—because we’re Beavers, and Beavers build.

Students on South Forum Lawn Patio

Updated health and safety guidance for students, faculty, and staff. We are Beavers and we will keep building together! Beavers Forward

BVU is dedicated to cultivating relationships with businesses and organizations. Strategic Partnerships

Find Your Fit

Learning Made Personal

At BVU, you’ll have a personalized learning experience, whether you’re a freshman, transfer student, graduate student, or completing your bachelor’s degree. Undecided on a major? Start out in our one-of-a-kind Exploratory Program and find your passion with the guidance of our dedicated staff.

student and professor examine math equations

Your Education, Your Way

BVU offers online programs that combine the benefit of live ​video instruction with the convenience of online learning. In addition to a weekly Zoom class, students complete their coursework online and receive personalized advisement from local BVU site staff.

Finish your bachelor's degree

You Can Afford College

A Life-Changing Investment

Ranked a Best Value School among regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report 2022, BVU is committed to keeping college tuition affordable. That’s why 100 percent of our students who apply for financial aid receive it.

Rated a Best Value – Regional Universities (Midwest)

U.S. News & World Report - Best Value 2022

Advance Your Career

Graduate Degrees that Go Beyond

Our online programs help you achieve your professional goals with minimal interruption to your life. You will learn from faculty who care and gain the expertise you need to be an expert in your field.

Student at commencement

Happening At BVU

Regan Sylvester, a December 2021 graduate of Buena Vista University, teaches language arts to sixth graders at Storm Lake Middle School. Sylvester transitioned from being a student-teacher throughout Fall 2021 to a full-time position that began in January.

BVU Student Lands Teaching Job Before Student-Teaching Begins

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Sam Sexe, a senior to-be at Buena Vista University, serves three medical entities in Iowa, putting him on a path to become a medical examiner. Sexe is a criminology and criminal justice and communications studies double major from Humboldt.

Value-Added Funds Play Key Role in Advanced Criminology Work in St. Louis

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Buena Vista University graduates Jade Hays, left, and Molly Barten show their diplomas after receiving them in the 2022 Commencement exercise in Siebens Fieldhouse on May 7. Both graduates are headed to medical school.

BVU Seniors Embark on Medical School Futures

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Buena Vista University student Mitchell Countryman spent time in June at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show in Anaheim, Calif., thanks to funding he earned through BVU’s Mack Family Honors Innovation Fellowship. Countryman, who is from Moville, is a business major who also plays basketball for the Beavers and serves as President of BVU’s Accounting and Business Association.

Mack Family Honors Innovation Fellowship Strikes a Chord with BVU Junior

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Beaver Visit Grant

Receive a $1,000 per year award when you visit our Storm Lake campus! This is eligible to school seniors and college transfer students entering BVU in Fall 2023. Schedule your visit now!

The Scout Park lighthouse at dusk

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U.S. News & World Report - Regional University 2022
U.S. News & World Report - Social Mobility 2022
US News and World Report - Best Value Schools
Transfer Honor Roll