University of Dubuque vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Northwood University 14:1.

University of Dubuque vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or Northwood University? 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 Northwood University than University of Dubuque ($25,549 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 7.3% lower than at Northwood University ($12,150 vs. $13,100).
• University of Dubuque is 22.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $7,695 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.4% higher at University of Dubuque than at Northwood University (about $7,695 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 18.9% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($27,758 vs. $23,349).

University of Dubuque vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 40 points higher than at Northwood University (1060).
• Incoming University of Dubuque students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Northwood University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

University of Dubuque vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northwood University's six-year graduation rate (53%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $3,899 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($21,775 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $40 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($225 vs. $265).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University 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.