Bethel University vs. University of Dubuque

Comparable Facts

Compare Bethel University in Mishawaka, IN with University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than Bethel University based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 1,167 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bethel University is located in Mishawaka, IN (Small City setting); University of Dubuque is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Bethel University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bethel University 12:1; University of Dubuque 10:1.

Bethel University vs. University of Dubuque Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bethel University or University of Dubuque? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bethel University than University of Dubuque ($19,494 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethel University are 8.3% lower than at University of Dubuque ($11,140 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 21.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bethel University (about $7,495 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 21.7% higher at University of Dubuque than at Bethel University (about $7,495 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $34,600.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Bethel University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 10.8% larger than aid received by Bethel University students ($27,758 vs. $25,046).

Bethel University vs. University of Dubuque Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bethel University or University of Dubuque? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Dubuque and Bethel University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 70 points higher than at Bethel University (1030).
• Incoming University of Dubuque students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Bethel University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 900/1150; University of Dubuque 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bethel University 16/24; University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bethel University - Test optional; University of Dubuque - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bethel University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Bethel University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• Bethel University has a higher acceptance rate (97.7%) than University of Dubuque (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.4% at Bethel University vs. 23.3% at University of Dubuque.

Bethel University vs. University of Dubuque Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bethel University and University of Dubuque? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bethel University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Dubuque earn a median of about $2,400 more per year than Bethel University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $39,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have a $391 lower median loan debt than Bethel University graduates ($25,674 vs. $26,065).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Bethel University graduates ($265 vs. $269).
• More Bethel University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (64% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.