Loras College vs. MWSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Loras College in Dubuque, IA with Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Missouri Western State University is larger than Loras College based on total student enrollment (3,716 students vs. 1,189 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Loras College is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Missouri Western State University is in Saint Joseph, MO (Small City setting).
• Loras College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Missouri Western State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Loras College 12:1; Missouri Western State University 15:1.

Loras College vs. MWSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Loras College or MWSU? 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 Missouri Western State University than Loras College ($13,126 vs. $21,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Loras College are 10.6% lower than at Missouri Western State University ($11,000 vs. $12,311).
• Loras College is 286.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MWSU (about $29,518 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $10,306.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 90.9% higher at Loras College than at Missouri Western State University (about $18,958 more per year; $39,824.00 vs. $20,866.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Loras College than at Missouri Western State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Loras College students is 211.9% larger than aid received by Missouri Western State University students ($28,835 vs. $9,245).

Loras College vs. MWSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Loras College or MWSU? 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 MWSU and Loras College.

• Missouri Western State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Loras College - Test-free; MWSU - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman Loras College students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at MWSU (3.25).

Loras College vs. MWSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Loras College and MWSU? 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).

• Loras College's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Missouri Western State University's (27%).
• Graduates from Loras College earn a median of about $12,700 more per year than MWSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,200 vs. $36,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Missouri Western State University graduates have a $5,182 lower median loan debt than Loras College graduates ($21,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, MWSU graduates have an estimated $54 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Loras College graduates ($225 vs. $279).
• More Loras College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MWSU students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 53%)

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.