Scholarships & Financial Aid
Make Your Degree More Affordable.
Financial aid can help make earning your bachelor's degree more affordable. Explore scholarships, grants, military benefits, and other financial aid opportunities available to eligible online undergraduate students.
Federal Pell Grant
Students with a prior baccalaureate degree are not eligible. Individual award amounts will vary based on a federal eligibility formula and enrollment, with the maximum full year, full-time award expected to be $6,345. To be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, BVU must receive the results of your federal aid application (FAFSA) while you are still enrolled. Other documentation may also be required. Eligibility is capped at six years.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Available to some students who show exceptional financial need and, normally, who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. These grants are partially federally funded, but awarding is controlled by the University. Priority is given to students who file a FAFSA by June 1 and list Buena Vista University on the application. Limited funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Federal Teach Grants
May be awarded to students who intend to teach and who have been accepted into an eligible program. In exchange for the grant, recipients must serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field, in a school serving low-income students for at least four years within eight years of graduation. Students who don’t complete their teaching obligation as indicated will be required to repay any funds received as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest accruing from the time the grant was disbursed. A CGPA of 3.25 is required. Interested students should contact the Office of Financial Assistance for additional guidance.
Iowa Tuition Grant
Available, based on financial need, for up to the equivalent of eight full-time semesters of undergraduate study. You must meet Iowa residency requirements and apply by the July 1 deadline to be considered for this state gift award. The maximum amount for which you may qualify is determined by the difference between your Buena Vista University tuition and the average tuition at the Iowa Regent universities. Awards are available for full-time and part-time enrollment and may be used for tuition only.
Iowa National Guard Educational Assistance Grant
Available to Iowa residents who are members of an Iowa Army or Air National Guard unit while enrolled in higher education. The individual award amount will not exceed the average tuition rate for full-time students at Iowa Regent Universities.
Out-of-State Online Grant
Available to degree-seeking undergraduate students in fully online programs with a permanent address outside Iowa. Storm Lake students who fully transition to online are also eligible. FAFSA and federal aid eligibility required. Award: $100 per credit hour
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Eligible Phi Theta Kappa members who have earned an associate degree may qualify for scholarship opportunities when continuing their education at BVU.
Military Benefits
Veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible military-connected students may qualify for education benefits. Accepted students can submit the Military Benefits Form through BeaverNet to begin the certification process.
See What BVU Could Cost
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your scholarships, financial aid, and overall college costs.
Your Employer Could Help Pay for College
Many employers partner with Buena Vista University to provide tuition benefits for eligible employees. Explore whether your employer participates through a BVU Strategic Partnership.
We're Here to Help.
Our Financial Aid team can help you understand scholarships, grants, loans, employer tuition benefits, and military benefits so you can confidently plan for your education.
- Phone: 712-749-2164
- Fax: 712-749-1451
Invest in Your Future.
Whether you're starting your bachelor's degree, transferring credits, or returning to college, BVU is here to help you find the financial support you need to achieve your goals.