University of Dubuque vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

University of Dubuque vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or CMU? 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 Central Michigan University than University of Dubuque ($17,575 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 3.3% lower than at Central Michigan University ($12,150 vs. $12,564).
• University of Dubuque is 185.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $27,335 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 185.2% higher at University of Dubuque than at Central Michigan University (about $27,335 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 112.8% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($27,758 vs. $13,042).

University of Dubuque vs. CMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 20 points higher than at CMU (1080).
• Incoming CMU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than University of Dubuque (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 11.3% at CMU.

University of Dubuque vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Central Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $2,700 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have a $1,326 lower median loan debt than CMU graduates ($25,674 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

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.