University of Dubuque vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

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

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

University of Dubuque vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than University of Dubuque ($11,546 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 1.5% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($12,150 vs. $12,340).
• University of Dubuque is 225.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $29,165 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.2% higher at University of Dubuque than at Saginaw Valley State University (about $11,645 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $30,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Saginaw Valley State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 105.4% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($27,758 vs. $13,512).

University of Dubuque vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dubuque or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and University of Dubuque.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 50 points higher than at Saginaw Valley State University (1050).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Saginaw Valley State University (72.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

University of Dubuque vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dubuque and Saginaw Valley State 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).

• University of Dubuque's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from University of Dubuque earn a median of about $800 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have a $1,326 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($25,674 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 48%)

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.