University of Dubuque vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

University of Dubuque vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or BLC? 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 Bethany Lutheran College than University of Dubuque ($21,127 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 29.1% lower than at University of Dubuque ($8,620 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 34.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $10,735 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.2% higher at University of Dubuque than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $10,735 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque as at Bethany Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 39.7% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($27,758 vs. $19,865).

University of Dubuque vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dubuque or BLC? 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 BLC and University of Dubuque.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 10 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming BLC 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: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 34% at BLC.

University of Dubuque vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dubuque and BLC? 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).

• Bethany Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Dubuque earn a median of about $4,500 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $2,424 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($240 vs. $265).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.