University of Dubuque vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

University of Dubuque vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College than University of Dubuque ($24,095 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 0.8% lower than at Wisconsin Lutheran College ($12,150 vs. $12,250).
• University of Dubuque is 16.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WLC (about $5,985 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.6% higher at University of Dubuque than at Wisconsin Lutheran College (about $5,985 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque as at Wisconsin Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 12.7% larger than aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students ($27,758 vs. $24,624).

University of Dubuque vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is the same as at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; WLC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WLC students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than WLC (78.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 20.2% at WLC.

University of Dubuque vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Wisconsin Lutheran College earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,000 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates have a $674 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, WLC graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($258 vs. $265).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.