IU South Bend vs. University of Dubuque

Comparable Facts

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

Indiana University South Bend is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (4,631 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Indiana University South Bend is located in South Bend, IN (Midsize City setting); University of Dubuque is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Indiana University South Bend is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Indiana University South Bend 15:1; University of Dubuque 10:1.

IU South Bend vs. University of Dubuque Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, IU South Bend 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 Indiana University South Bend than University of Dubuque ($9,003 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Indiana University South Bend are 16.2% lower than at University of Dubuque ($10,184 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 399.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than IU South Bend (about $33,671 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $8,424.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.5% higher at University of Dubuque than at Indiana University South Bend (about $19,284 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $22,811.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Indiana University South Bend (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 231.6% larger than aid received by Indiana University South Bend students ($27,758 vs. $8,371).

IU South Bend vs. University of Dubuque Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, IU South Bend 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 IU South Bend.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 30 points higher than at IU South Bend (1070).
• Incoming IU South Bend students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 950/1190; University of Dubuque 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Indiana University South Bend 21/23; University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: IU South Bend - Test optional; University of Dubuque - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman IU South Bend students have the same average high school GPA (3.24) as students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than IU South Bend (83.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 39% at IU South Bend vs. 23.3% at University of Dubuque.

IU South Bend vs. University of Dubuque Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for IU South Bend 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).

• University of Dubuque's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Indiana University South Bend's (22%).
• Graduates from University of Dubuque earn a median of about $4,700 more per year than IU South Bend graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $37,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Indiana University South Bend graduates have a $1,144 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($24,530 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, IU South Bend graduates have an estimated $12 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($253 vs. $265).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former IU South Bend students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 47%)

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.