Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University is a 4-year, private university located in Storm Lake, IA.  Students at Buena Vista University can enroll in bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. In addition to our residential campus in Storm Lake, IA, BVU has 15 other locations across Iowa offering fully online and hybrid programs.

Buena Vista University Military & Veteran Support Programs

Buena Vista University offers the following veteran and military support programs: 

• Buena Vista University has GI Bill approved programs
• Offers credit for military experience 
• Awards credit for the CLEP and DSST exams
• Approved for Tuition Assistance
• Buena Vista University is a Yellow Ribbon school
• Buena Vista Universityis a MyCAA approved school

Is BVU a GI Bill approved school?

Yes, Buena Vista University is a GI Bill approved school. However, you will need to check with the school to ensure that your preferred degree program is covered by the GI Bill. For more info, please contact veteran services and/or admissions here.

Is Buena Vista University a Yellow Ribbon school?

Yes, Buena Vista University is a Yellow Ribbon school.  Buena Vista University strives to cover up to 100% of eligible military and veteran students' tuition no covered by the GI Bill.  This means you may have up to 100% of their tuition covered, with zero tuition costs out-of-pocket.

You should still check with Buena Vista University to ensure that your preferred degree program is 100% covered by the Yellow Ribbon program.

For more info, please contact veteran services and/or admissions here.

Does BVU offer Yellow Ribbon for master’s programs?

Yes, BVU offers Yellow Ribbon funding for master’s programs.  

Eligible students may have up to 100% of their tuition covered, with zero costs out-of-pocket. You will need to check with the school to ensure that your preferred advanced degree program is in fact covered by the Yellow Ribbon. For more info, please contact veteran services and/or admissions here.

Does BVU offer a military discount or reduced tuition rates for military and veterans?

No, BVU offers a military discount or reduced tuition for military and veterans. 

What are BVU’s tuition rates for military and veterans?

At $1,184 per credit hour BVU’s tuition rate for active military does exceed the Tuition Rate assistance cap of $250 per hour. This means that the student may have out-of-pocket costs. For more info, please contact veteran services and/or admissions here.

What are BVU’s online tuition rates for military and veterans?

At $1,184 per credit hour BVU’s online tuition rate for active military does exceed the Tuition Rate assistance cap of $250 per hour. This means that the student may have out-of-pocket costs. For more info, please contact veteran services and/or admissions here.

Does BVU offer online degree programs?

Yes, BVU offers online degree programs. 

Is BVU approved for Tuition Assistance?

Yes, BVU is approved for Tuition Assistance.  

You should check with BVU to ensure that your preferred degree program is covered by Tuition Assistance. For more info, please contact veteran services and/or admissions

Personalized Learning Experience at Buena Vista University

At Buena Vista University, you'll have a personalized learning experience, whether you are brand new to the college experience, a transfer student, or a graduate student.  BVU offers a variety of ways to learn, both on and off campus.  BVU staff and faculty will be with you every step of the way on your journey toward your educational goals.  Our commitment to Education for Service, Division III athletics, and experiential learning opportunities provide students with skills sought by employers and community leaders.  Our campus on the shores of beautiful Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of in-demand majors, while 11 community college partners across Iowa - as well as graduate programs - expand student potential through a variety of convenient online and hybrid programs. 

BVU's Test-Optional Approach

Buena Vista University will not require the ACT nor the SAT exams for admission to the University for the class of 2021, an outcome of the University's option of a test-optional approach.  By adopting a test-optional method of qualification, BVU can go beyond standardized benchmarks to examine a student's record of service and college readiness.