Dordt University vs Buena Vista University: which has better ROI?
Dordt University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $103,228 in 24.6 years versus 94.7 years at Buena Vista University, on median earnings of $52,559 vs $49,156 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Dordt University | Buena Vista University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,807 | $18,846 |
| Total net cost | $103,228 | $75,384 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $52,559 | $49,156 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 24.6 yrs | 94.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$19,248 | -$59,464 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Dordt University or Buena Vista University?
Buena Vista University, at $18,846 a year after aid versus $25,807 — a gap of $6,961 a year, or $27,844 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Dordt University or Buena Vista University graduates earn more?
Dordt University graduates report a median $52,559 ten years after entry, $3,403 more than the $49,156 at Buena Vista University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Dordt University or Buena Vista University?
Dordt University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Buena Vista University, a difference of $3,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Dordt University, against 62% at Buena Vista University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.