Loras College
Loras College is a private nonprofit university in Dubuque, IA ranked #397 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B+, enrolling about 1,083 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 99.9%. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Marketing.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, 82.3% first-year retention, and 67.6% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
Families typically invest $20,716, about $3,718 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -44.4%, roughly 129.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $46,069. That's about $2,381 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Loras College has an acceptance rate of 99.9%, annual tuition of $39,824, average net price of $20,716, and a national rank of #397 (Grade B+), with a 67.6% six-year graduation rate, about 1,083 undergraduates, and median earnings of $46,069 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Loras College Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Loras College graduates 67.6% of students within six years and keeps 82.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Loras College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $39,824 |
| Books and Supplies | $600 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,000 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,250 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $50,537 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 23.4% of Loras College students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,479 to $23,039 depending on family income. Use Loras College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $20,233/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,039/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $46,069
- 10-Year Median Earnings $46,069
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 82.9%
- Employment Rate 95.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Loras College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Loras College vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Loras College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Loras College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Loras College graduates earn $46,069 median, the -44.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,083
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 82.3%
- Graduation Rate 67.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 12:1
How to Get Into Loras College
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Loras College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 99.9%, Loras College is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 99.9% acceptance rate, Loras College is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Loras College undergraduates. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 9.2%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 8.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 7.0%
- Psychology, General 5.6%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.6%
- Social Work 5.3%
See more majors
- Marketing 5.3%
- Political Science and Government 4.2%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $74,427
- 2. Marketing $74,007
- 3. Finance and Financial Management Services $69,053
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication $58,304
- 5. Biology, General $57,846
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $53,583
- 7. Psychology, General $53,404
- 8. Criminal Justice and Corrections $47,413
- 9. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $41,904
- 10. Business Administration, Management and Operations $41,810
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $44,795
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $74,427—78% more than Business Administration, Management and Operations ($41,810). Graduate: Student Counseling and Personnel Services programs lead with $44,795 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Loras College. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 33 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 30 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 25 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 20 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (39 programs)â–¼
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Social Work
- Marketing
- Political Science and Government
- Communication and Media Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- International Relations and National Security Studies
- Engineering Physics
- Biology, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Neurobiology and Neurosciences
- History
- English Language and Literature, General
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Sociology
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Chemistry
- Management Information Systems and Services
- Music
- Education, General
- Computational Science
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Journalism
- Business/Commerce, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Engineering, General
Online Master's Degrees (5 programs)â–¼
- Student Counseling and Personnel Services
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Psychology, General
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–¼
- Data Analytics
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,083
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 58.5%
- Female Students 41.5%
- Caucasian 74.5%
- Asian 1.1%
- Hispanic 8.2%
- Black 4.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients 23.4%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Loras College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Loras College's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Loras College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Loras College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 74.5% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. About 23.4% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Loras College support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Loras College, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Loras College offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -44.4% ROI. Ranked #397 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $20,716 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $46,069 median earnings. With 67.6% graduating within six years and 82.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Loras College's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #397 ranking, Loras College competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $20,716 annually, Loras College charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 82.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $14,501 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -44.4% ROI and $46,069 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $10,716+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Loras College ranks #397 of 6101 institutions, with 849 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 67.6% six-year graduation rate sits 5.1 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 82.3% first-year retention is 5.5 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -44.4% return on investment is 129.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $46,069 run about 5% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $20,716 is roughly $3,319 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 12:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 82.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 95.2% employment rate within three years sits 27.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $20,716 is about $3,319 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 23.4% trails the national share by 15.8 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Loras College, a private nonprofit university in Dubuque, IA, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #397 national ranking Category results include Completion (B+), Support (B+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B-).
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
82.3% of learners come back after year one while 67.6% complete the degree within six years. Return on investment currently measures -44.4% for this program.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $20,716 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $50,537.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $29,821 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 23.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $46,069 at the median. That sits about 5% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 95.2% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -44.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
99.9% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Loras College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Loras College's acceptance rate?
Loras College's acceptance rate is 99.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Loras College cost?
At Loras College, listed tuition and fees are $39,824 per year, and the average net price after aid is $20,716. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Loras College's ranking?
Loras College ranks #397 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Loras College's graduation rate?
At Loras College, the six-year graduation rate is 67.6%, and first-year retention is 82.3%.
What are Loras College's job outcomes?
Graduates of Loras College report median earnings of $46,069 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Loras College's student population?
Loras College enrolls about 1,083 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Dubuque, IA 52004-0178
- Website www.loras.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$52.5M