University of Dubuque vs. SWU

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Southern Wesleyan University in Central, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than SWU based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 980 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Dubuque vs. SWU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or SWU? 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 Southern Wesleyan University than University of Dubuque ($20,134 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Wesleyan University are 16.7% lower than at University of Dubuque ($10,126 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 41.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SWU (about $12,295 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 41.3% higher at University of Dubuque than at Southern Wesleyan University (about $12,295 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $29,800.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque as at Southern Wesleyan University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 42.4% larger than aid received by Southern Wesleyan University students ($27,758 vs. $19,498).

University of Dubuque vs. SWU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Wesleyan University (1130) is 30 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming SWU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Southern Wesleyan University 1040/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Southern Wesleyan University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; SWU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SWU students have a 0.76 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• SWU has a higher acceptance rate (99.5%) than University of Dubuque (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 33.4% at SWU.

University of Dubuque vs. SWU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Southern Wesleyan University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Southern Wesleyan University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,800 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 SWU graduates ($25,674 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SWU graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SWU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 50%)

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.