University of Dubuque vs. Simpson College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Simpson College in Indianola, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than Simpson College based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 1,251 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Simpson College is in Indianola, IA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Simpson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Simpson College 12:1.

University of Dubuque vs. Simpson College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or Simpson College? 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 Simpson College than University of Dubuque ($23,282 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Simpson College are 13.6% lower than at University of Dubuque ($10,500 vs. $12,150).
• Simpson College is 13.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dubuque (about $5,561 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $42,095.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 13.2% higher at Simpson College than at University of Dubuque (about $5,561 more per year; $47,656.00 vs. $42,095.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque as at Simpson College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Simpson College students is 36.5% larger than aid received by University of Dubuque students ($37,896 vs. $27,758).

University of Dubuque vs. Simpson College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 10 points higher than at Simpson College (1090).
• Incoming Simpson College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Simpson College 890/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Simpson College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Simpson College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Simpson College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Simpson College students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Simpson College (86.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 21.6% at Simpson College.

University of Dubuque vs. Simpson College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Simpson College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Simpson College earn a median of about $6,200 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 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 Simpson College graduates ($25,674 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Simpson College graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More Simpson College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.