University of Dubuque vs. Iowa

Comparable Facts

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

University of Iowa is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (30,779 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Dubuque vs. Iowa Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or Iowa? 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 University of Iowa than University of Dubuque ($21,765 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 6% lower than at University of Iowa ($12,150 vs. $12,920).
• University of Dubuque is 273.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iowa (about $30,812 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $11,283.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.1% higher at University of Dubuque than at University of Iowa (about $8,724 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $33,371.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at University of Iowa (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 181.4% larger than aid received by University of Iowa students ($27,758 vs. $9,865).

University of Dubuque vs. Iowa Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Iowa (1230) is 130 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming Iowa students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; University of Iowa 1130/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; University of Iowa 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Iowa - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Iowa students have a 0.57 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Iowa (83.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 22.4% at Iowa.

University of Dubuque vs. Iowa Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dubuque and Iowa? 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 Iowa's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Iowa earn a median of about $18,000 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Iowa graduates have a $4,058 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($21,616 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, Iowa graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($223 vs. $265).
• More Iowa graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (70% 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.