Buena Vista University

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

Buena Vista University

Apply for first-year Apply for transfer

BVU is a community of doers, cultivators, and creators who believe in transformative higher education. 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. We are an institution forging new ways of learning and serving. We are committed to empowering our students and know that their work does not just stay in Storm Lake. Beavers carry it with them as they build throughout the region and across the globe.

Virtual Tour

Academic Programs

Agriculture
Art & Design
Business
Communication
Design
Economics
Education
Engineering
Finance/Accounting
Government/Political Science
Health Science
Liberal Arts
Music
Performing Arts
Research
Science
Social Science
Technology
Visual Arts

Student experience

Agriculture
Archery
Athletics
Co-op/Internship Opportunities
Disability Services
Distance/online learning
E-Sports
Intramural/Club Sports
LGBTQIA Services
Livestock Showing
Military/Veteran Services
Night Class Offerings
On-Campus Housing
ROTC Program
Religious Affiliation
Rodeo
Study Abroad
Trap Shooting
Undergraduate Research
Veteran Fee Waiver

Application information

Find out about requirements, fees, and deadlines

First-year

Ready to begin your journey of becoming a Beaver? We couldn’t be more excited for you! Once you complete your application if you are applying as Regular Admissions, we will just need your high school transcript and test scores to review your application. If you apply Test Optional we will just need your transcript. Letters of recommendation are optional. We will have a decision to you within a week or two of receiving all your application materials. Merit scholarships will be awarded based on application. There is no application fee.

Transfer

Looking at transferring to BVU? Once you complete you we will just need all of your college transcripts to review your application.We will have a decision to you within a week or two of receiving all your application materials. We will also send you an evaluation of how your credits will transfer and set up a time to go over this with you to help you see how your credits will transfer to BVU. Merit scholarships will be awarded based on application. There is no application fee.

Additional Information

Ranked #3 as 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. Alongside thoughtful personal financial planning, our financial assistance program is designed to make it possible for all students to attend BVU. We offer many scholarships at bvu.edu/scholarships that will help make it possible to attend a private college at an affordable price, with so much more value. Once you complete your application, starting October 1st, be sure to file the FAFSA with our school code of 001847. This will help us in determining what else you may be able to qualify to make the college experience even more affordable.

Visit us

Imagine your college years 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. Come to campus and see for yourself. Check out bvu.edu/visit to schedule your individual visit to campus or sign up for one of our events. We offer both in person and virtual events. Plus, seniors or transfers who visit campus, receive a $1,000 per year scholarship just for visiting!

“BVU is worth the investment because it provides many opportunities, internships, resources, and connections that you would not be able to get on a larger campus. Everyone at BVU does an amazing job of making the students their top priority."
Noah Hoffman, Current Student, Class of '22