SIUE vs. University of Dubuque

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (11,893 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is located in Edwardsville, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Dubuque is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 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 Edwardsville 15:1; University of Dubuque 10:1.

SIUE vs. University of Dubuque Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, SIUE 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 Edwardsville than University of Dubuque ($17,115 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 16.1% lower than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ($12,150 vs. $14,490).
• University of Dubuque is 225.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SIUE (about $29,173 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $12,922.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 225.8% higher at University of Dubuque than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (about $29,173 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $12,922.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (100% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 139.3% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students ($27,758 vs. $11,602).

SIUE vs. University of Dubuque Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, SIUE 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 SIUE.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 30 points higher than at SIUE (1070).
• Incoming SIUE students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 950/1190; University of Dubuque 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 20/27; University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: SIUE - Test optional; University of Dubuque - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: SIUE May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SIUE students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• SIUE has a higher acceptance rate (97.5%) than University of Dubuque (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15.7% at SIUE vs. 23.3% at University of Dubuque.

SIUE vs. University of Dubuque Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for SIUE 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 Edwardsville's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,000 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville graduates have a $4,244 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($21,430 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, SIUE graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($221 vs. $265).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SIUE students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 61%)

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.