University of Dubuque vs. UNI

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (9,278 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 Northern Iowa is in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; University of Northern Iowa 18:1.

University of Dubuque vs. UNI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or UNI? 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 Northern Iowa than University of Dubuque ($16,437 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 17.8% lower than at University of Dubuque ($9,986 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 323.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $32,159 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 93.9% higher at University of Dubuque than at University of Northern Iowa (about $20,383 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 373.3% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($27,758 vs. $5,865).

University of Dubuque vs. UNI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 50 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming UNI 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; University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; University of Northern Iowa 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; UNI - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than University of Dubuque (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 31.1% at UNI.

University of Dubuque vs. UNI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dubuque and UNI? 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 Northern Iowa's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $5,900 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $5,049 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($20,625 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $52 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($213 vs. $265).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.