Business/Commerce, General at Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
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/Commerce, General 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/Commerce, General 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/Commerce, General'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/Commerce, General 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/Commerce, General 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/Commerce, General at Buena Vista University?
This program scores 53/100 — a respectable number in isolation, but it ranks in the bottom half of Business/Commerce, General programs nationally. The field is competitive, and stronger options exist.
Will AI replace Business/Commerce, General 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/Commerce, General?
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 →