University of Dubuque vs. GVSU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Grand Valley State University is in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Grand Valley State University 15:1.

University of Dubuque vs. GVSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or GVSU? 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 Grand Valley State University than University of Dubuque ($17,198 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Grand Valley State University are 4.9% lower than at University of Dubuque ($11,550 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 178% more expensive for in-state tuition than GVSU (about $26,955 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $15,140.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 95.4% higher at University of Dubuque than at Grand Valley State University (about $20,547 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $21,548.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Grand Valley State University (100% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 148.1% larger than aid received by Grand Valley State University students ($27,758 vs. $11,188).

University of Dubuque vs. GVSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 30 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Grand Valley State University 940/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Grand Valley State University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; GVSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than GVSU (83%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 18.6% at GVSU.

University of Dubuque vs. GVSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Grand Valley State University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,600 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Grand Valley State University graduates have a $674 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, GVSU graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($258 vs. $265).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 62%)

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.