Business at Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Business/Commerce, General
53 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
54
Optimistic
53
Base Case
48
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,810/yr (1% vs median)
AI Risk High (46% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (832,900 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #208 of 242 Business/Commerce, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Business graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $526K $523K $485K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 34%
DegreeOutlook Score 54 53 48

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$160,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,284
54% less than sticker · See by income

Program Analysis

At $48,810/yr, Business graduates from Buena Vista University land near the $48,211 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

An earnings multiple of 3.3x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.

Some AI exposure exists in Business's typical career paths, with 46% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #208 of 242 Business programs, Buena Vista University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

About Buena Vista University

With 72% of applicants admitted, Buena Vista University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,378 students in Storm Lake, IA. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. The average net cost of $73,284 over four years represents a 54% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Buena Vista University →

Top Career Paths

Chief executives $206,420/yr
Sales managers $138,060/yr
Managers, all other $136,550/yr
View all 16 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Business at Other Schools

Other Majors at Buena Vista University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Business at Buena Vista University?
This program scores 53/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Business programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Business careers?
With 46% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $485,446 in decade earnings vs $525,726 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Is Buena Vista University a hidden gem for Business?
After financial aid, the average student pays $73,284 over four years — 54% below the $160,760 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →