Buena Vista University

Analysis

Buena Vista University is a registered charity in United States, based in Storm Lake, IA. It received its IRS tax-exemption ruling in August 1939, 87 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education, which this site groups under education and training. The IRS classifies it as a school under section 501(c)(3), and contributions to it are listed as tax-deductible.

In the financial year ending June 2023, Buena Vista University reported income of $55.5m and spending of $61.7m, spending 111% of what it took in. Across the 5 years on record, from June 2019 to June 2023, income grew from $49.0m to $55.5m (+13%), an average of +3.2% a year. Over the whole period it spent 111% of the income it received.

Among 66,972 United States charities whose main cause is education and training and that reported income, Buena Vista University sits at the 98th percentile: it is larger than about 98% of them. Against every charity in United States with reported income it ranks in the 99th percentile, and in the 99th percentile within IA. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Davis & Elkins College ($55.4m), Monmouth College ($55.5m) and Grace Church School ($55.4m).

On its Form 990 for the period ending June 2023, revenue came from contributions and grants 11% and program service revenue 87% of the total. Compensation of current officers, directors and key employees was $1.3m (2.1% of expenses). Other salaries and wages came to $15.8m. At year end it held assets of $243.3m against liabilities of $49.9m, net assets of $193.4m. It reported 1,025 employees.

Data notes from the register: Spending has exceeded income in each of the last three reported years, so the charity has been drawing on reserves or other funds.