Undergraduate Students

Whether you’re earning your degree on our Storm Lake Campus or through one of our locations in Iowa, or online — you will build something amazing with a BVU undergraduate degree.

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Undergraduate Degree Options

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On Campus

You will earn your degree on our main campus in Storm Lake, Iowa.

Find Your Program
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Online

You will earn your degree fully online and through virtual classes. 

Find Your Program

On Campus

On Campus

See What You Will Experience

At Buena Vista University, you won’t come here just to sit in a big lecture hall with hundreds of other students.

You’ll experience hands-on learning in state-of-the-art facilities, and you might even get paid to do it. That’s right, whether you’re into agriculture, marching band, esports, or more, you can find a scholarship that is fit for you.

Discover our Experiences
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We are dedicated to getting you the answers you need to help your students through the college search process. Take a look at a collection of resources for families and counselors.

Family ResourcesCounselor ResourcesCollege Planning Workbook
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How to Apply to BVU

  1. Complete our online application or the Common Application
  2. Send your high school transcript to BVU
    We also accept GED or HiSet
  3. Submit your official SAT or ACT score
    (requirement WAIVED for 2023-24)
  4. Send official college transcripts, from every institution you have attended, to BVU
  5. Talk to your BVU admissions counselor and schedule a visit. This can be done at any time!
  6.  

See Visit Dates

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
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Video of academics and activities: we’re devoted to your success from start to finish—because we’re Beavers, and Beavers build. Explore BVU Video

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Visit Campus

BVU is more than a university. As a student, BVU is your community and a home away from home. To truly experience what life is like here, you have to see for yourself.

If you are entering BVU in the Fall, make a virtual visit now and receive a $1,000-per-year BVU scholarship!

Visit and together we can build a future worthy of your dreams.

Schedule a Visit

See Programs and MajorsON CAMPUS & ONLINE

 

Affordable College

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% of our students who apply for financial aid receive it. So whatever you love, we’ll give you all the support you need to pursue it.

Tuition & Fees Scholarships & Financial Aid
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Athletics

Become a Beaver. Get an instant family by joining a sport at BVU. Nearly half of our students are involved in athletics — and it’s for good reason. There’s something to say for bonding with teammates on the field and on road trips near and far. Interested? Our coaches want to talk to YOU.

Recruitment

Accepted Senior Overnights

Have you been accepted to BVU for next fall? Join us for an Accepted Senior Overnight! Sit in on a class, meet with professors, admissions, and others based on your interests. Register to Attend

Online

Online
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How to Apply to BVU (Online Students)

  1. Complete the Online Application. Apply >
     
  2. Request that official transcript(s) from each college or university previously attended be sent to BVU.

    Send to:
    Admissions
    Buena Vista University
    610 West 4th St.
    Storm Lake, IA 50588

    Without official transcripts and records, a student will not be allowed to register beyond the initial semester. 
     
  3. If you will be applying for financial assistance including student loans, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. When you file, be sure to use Buena Vista University's code: 001847.

Earn Your Degree Your Way

BVU’s online learning options allow you to earn your degree without uprooting your life. You will earn the same high-quality, personalized education, regardless of where you study. These flexible courses empower students of all ages and life situations to earn a degree, advance their careers, and pursue their dreams—all with the benefits of the supportive BVU community. 

Learn Online
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See Programs and MajorsONLINE

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Affordable College

We're committed to making high quality private education affordable for you. More than $14 million in institutional gift aid was awarded this year to our students and 75 percent of our financial aid is made up of grants and scholarships.

Online Tuition & Fees Undergraduate Financial Aid

Community College Partners

We have seamless transfer agreements with community colleges across Iowa. Find out how you can earn your bachelor's degree through BVU, close to home! 

Learn more
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Apply

The next step to becoming a BVU student is to apply! There is no essay or application fee, and we accept on a rolling basis.

Apply
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Tuition and Financial Aid

Find out how to apply for aid and see what grants and scholarships are available to you as a hybrid or online student.

Learn More
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Apply

No essay or application fee, and we accept on a rolling basis. Know if you’re accepted two weeks later. Fill out a housing application if you plan to live on campus.

Apply
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Deposit

When you know, you know. $200 will secure your spot at BVU so you can begin planning all that you want to participate in and accomplish at college.

Deposit
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Virtual Tour

Explore our picturesque 60-acre campus, located on the shores of Storm Lake in northwest Iowa. Discover the value and lifelong benefits of our liberal arts institution.

Tour
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Housing Application

We want to match you up with the best fit possible, so be honest! Just how late do you like to study, and which residence hall is your first choice?

Housing App

The FAFSA is your key to federal and state scholarships and financial aid. When you file, be sure to use Buena Vista University’s code: 001847. File the FAFSA

Find Your Program

Explore your future potential through our wide selection of outstanding undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

View All Programs

On Campus: Meet Your Counselors

Alyssa Burns
Alyssa Burns
Admissions Counselor
Meet Alyssa
Conner Ellinghuysen
Conner Ellinghuysen
Director of Admissions
Meet Conner
Jenelle Martin
Jenelle Martin
Assistant Director of Admissions, Hablo español
Meet Jenelle
nix-deangelo-emily
Emily Nix DeAngelo
Regional Admissions Counselor
Meet Emily
Annika Patton
Annika Patton
Senior Admission Counselor and Transfer Coordinator
Meet Annika
Hannah Pheifer
Hannah Pheifer
Senior Admissions Counselor
Meet Hannah
Rebecca Simpson
Rebecca Simpson
Admissions Counselor
Meet Rebecca
US & World News Report Best Value
US & World News Report Social Mobility
US & World News Report Midwest

Additional Resources

We are dedicated to getting you the answers you need to help your students through the college search process. Take a look at a collection of resources for families and counselors.

Professor and students

REQUEST INFORMATION

Learn More

Experience what college should be at BVU.

Step 1 - Tell us a little bit about you.

 
Type "Unknown School" if no match
 
 

 

 

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