University of Dubuque vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

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

Spring Arbor University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (2,441 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

University of Dubuque vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University than University of Dubuque ($21,067 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 5.8% lower than at University of Dubuque ($11,440 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 23.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $8,081 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.8% higher at University of Dubuque than at Spring Arbor University (about $8,081 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque as at Spring Arbor University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 16.3% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($27,758 vs. $23,877).

University of Dubuque vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Spring Arbor University (1130) is 30 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 16.5% at SAU.

University of Dubuque vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Spring Arbor University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Spring Arbor University earn a median of about $800 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,600 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Spring Arbor University graduates have a $1,631 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($24,043 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, SAU graduates have an estimated $17 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($248 vs. $265).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 58%)

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.