University of Dubuque vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Dubuque vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or WMU? 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 Western Michigan University than University of Dubuque ($17,331 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 0.2% lower than at Western Michigan University ($12,150 vs. $12,174).
• University of Dubuque is 176% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $26,843 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 121.2% higher at University of Dubuque than at Western Michigan University (about $23,061 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 151.2% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($27,758 vs. $11,048).

University of Dubuque vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Michigan University (1110) is 10 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming WMU 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; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than WMU (84.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 13.5% at WMU.

University of Dubuque vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $7,100 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have a $959 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($25,674 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($265 vs. $275).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 54%)

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.