ISU vs. University of Dubuque

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); University of Dubuque is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; University of Dubuque 10:1.

ISU vs. University of Dubuque Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Illinois State University than University of Dubuque ($21,369 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 3.3% lower than at University of Dubuque ($11,754 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 160.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $25,951 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 49.2% higher at University of Dubuque than at Illinois State University (about $13,885 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 114% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($27,758 vs. $12,974).

ISU vs. University of Dubuque Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Illinois State University (1100) is the same as at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; University of Dubuque 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Test optional; University of Dubuque - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than ISU (88.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 23.3% at University of Dubuque.

ISU vs. University of Dubuque Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $3,674 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($22,000 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($227 vs. $265).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.