Southern Illinois University vs. University of Dubuque

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); University of Dubuque is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; University of Dubuque 10:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. University of Dubuque Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than University of Dubuque ($13,473 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 1.5% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($12,150 vs. $12,341).
• University of Dubuque is 215.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $28,761 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 215.7% higher at University of Dubuque than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $28,761 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 104% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($27,758 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. University of Dubuque Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois 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 Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 70 points higher than at Southern Illinois University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 21) as students at University of Dubuque (21).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; University of Dubuque 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; University of Dubuque - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Southern Illinois University 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 Southern Illinois University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 23.3% at University of Dubuque.

Southern Illinois University vs. University of Dubuque Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois 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).

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale's six-year graduation rate (44%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $6,000 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $3,174 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $33 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($232 vs. $265).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 51%)

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.