University of Dubuque vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Iowa State University in Ames, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Iowa State University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (30,380 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Iowa State University is in Ames, IA (Small City setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Iowa State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Iowa State University 18:1.

University of Dubuque vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or ISU? 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 Iowa State University than University of Dubuque ($17,779 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Iowa State University are 11% lower than at University of Dubuque ($10,808 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 290.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $31,308 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $10,787.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45.8% higher at University of Dubuque than at Iowa State University (about $13,214 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $28,881.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Iowa State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 157.2% larger than aid received by Iowa State University students ($27,758 vs. $10,791).

University of Dubuque vs. ISU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Iowa State University (1240) is 140 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming ISU 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; Iowa State University 1120/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Iowa State University 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; ISU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.7%) than University of Dubuque (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 28.8% at ISU.

University of Dubuque vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Iowa State University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Iowa State University earn a median of about $11,900 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,700 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Iowa State University graduates have a $1,806 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($23,868 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($246 vs. $265).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.