Family Resources

Welcome to a collection of family resources from Buena Vista University. We are dedicated to getting you the answers you need to help your student through the college search process.

Families: Request Information

Families: Looking for regular campus updates? Stay informed with our Beaver Family Hub. Join the Hub Now.

Featured Resources

Family Guide

A go-to source for all things important to families of current and potential BVU students, from information about financial aid to life in Storm Lake.

Family Guide (English) Guía Familiar (Español)

College Planning Workbook

The biggest challenge in the college search is knowing where to start. This resource can help high school students at they go through the journey.

Download the Workbook

Guide to Winning the FAFSA

Who doesn't love free money, right? Our guide shows why filling out the FAFSA is so important, terminology, where to start, and what you will need to begin.

Download the Guide

Students should file the FAFSA early for significant college savings. Students interested in Buena Vista University should use the code 001847.

File the FAFSA FAFSA en ESPAÑOL FSA ID Federal Student Aid

New Residence Hall

Opening Fall 2025

BVU's New Apartment-Style Residence Hall is set to open Fall 2025, this new four-story apartment-style hall will provide a premier on-campus living experience designed for today's student.

Learn More

More FAFSA Resources

FAFSA Checklist FAFSA Glossary FAFSA Myths & Realities FAFSA Parent Plus Loans: Are They Right for You? Three Steps to Finding the Best College Deal Appealing Your Aid Award When Family Finances Shift FAFSA Verification: Don't Panic and Don't Wait

Academic Programs

At BVU, our students explore their passions and become empowered to lead. From science, to business, to education, to arts—they can find and customize an ideal academic experience here.

Undergraduate Programs Honors Institute

Affordability

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

Tuition & Financial Aid Scholarship Calculator First-Year Scholarships

Male and female students walk in front of the chapel

Student Life

At BVU, we possess an innate instinct to build. It’s rooted in our identity as Beavers and in our belief that we can and should better the world around us.

On Campus: Storm Lake Getting Involved Campus Resources Beaver Athletics

Buena Vista University's campus at dusk.

Visit

We are building something special on the shores of Storm Lake: vibrant community life, academic excellence, athletic prowess, and hands-on preparation for a meaningful life. We’re building big things in Iowa.

Schedule a Visit Academic Calendar

Upcoming Events

Ask a Student

Get real answers to your questions about academic programs and college life at Buena Vista University, directly from our students! Learn about the undergrad experience on our Storm Lake campus.

Chat with a Student

Students discuss academics with laptops open

Request information

Learn more about Buena Vista University.