University of Dubuque
University of Dubuque has an acceptance rate of 88.6%, annual tuition of $42,095, average net price of $23,386, and a national rank of #890 (Grade B), with a 40.1% six-year graduation rate, about 1,440 undergraduates, and median earnings of $44,960 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
University of Dubuque is a private nonprofit university in Dubuque, IA. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Air Transportation.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 76.6% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -51.9%, roughly 137.2 points below typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is University of Dubuque Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
University of Dubuque graduates 40.1% of students within six years and keeps 76.6% 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 University of Dubuque'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 | $42,095 |
| Books and Supplies | Not reported |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,150 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $1,700 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $53,806 |
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 39.8% of University of Dubuque students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $18,106 to $25,908 depending on family income. Use University of Dubuque's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $24,660/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $25,908/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $44,960
- 10-Year Median Earnings $44,960
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $17,070
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 59.9%
- Employment Rate 94.4%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for University of Dubuque 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.
University of Dubuque vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of Dubuque's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of Dubuque's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While University of Dubuque graduates earn $44,960 median, the -51.9% 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 490-610
- SAT Math 490-610
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 18-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,440
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 76.6%
- Graduation Rate 40.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into University of Dubuque
1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of Dubuque 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 88.6%, University of Dubuque 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 88.6% acceptance rate, University of Dubuque is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980 and 1220 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of Dubuque undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Air Transportation, and Criminal Justice and Corrections draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 18.6%
- Air Transportation 9.7%
- Criminal Justice and Corrections 6.8%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 6.5%
- Communication and Media Studies 5.6%
- Computer and Information Sciences, General 4.8%
See more majors
- Accounting and Related Services 4.6%
- Marketing 4.6%
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 $77,576
- 2. Air Transportation $73,760
- 3. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $67,829
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $62,811
- 5. Marketing $62,803
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations $60,776
- 7. Criminal Justice and Corrections $60,240
- 8. Sociology $58,258
- 9. Human Resources Management and Services $48,657
- 10. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $44,201
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degree) $120,504
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $83,731
- 3. Theological and Ministerial Studies (Master's Degree) $68,590
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $77,576—76% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($44,201). Graduate: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs lead with $120,504 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of Dubuque. 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
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 110 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 77 graduates)
- Air Transportation (Bachelor's Degree, 40 graduates)
- Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 28 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 27 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 (33 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Air Transportation
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Marketing
- Accounting and Related Services
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Psychology, General
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Health/Medical Preparatory Programs
- Data Processing
- Sociology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Mathematics
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- English Language and Literature, General
- Security Science and Technology
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Health and Medical Administrative Services
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Economics
- Chemistry
- Philosophy
- Parks, Recreation, Leisure, and Fitness Studies, Other
- Education, General
Online Master's Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Communication and Media Studies
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,440
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 60.6%
- Female Students 39.4%
- Caucasian 70.6%
- Asian 1.4%
- Hispanic 3.8%
- Black 9.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 39.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of Dubuque's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of University of Dubuque's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Dubuque 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 University of Dubuque, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: The student body is 70.6% White, reflecting less racial diversity than the national average. Men make up 60.6% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does University of Dubuque 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 University of Dubuque, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
University of Dubuque offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -51.9% ROI. Ranked #890 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $23,386 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $44,960 median earnings. With 40.1% graduating within six years and 76.6% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: University of Dubuque's Positioning
With a B grade and #890 ranking, University of Dubuque competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $23,386 annually, University of Dubuque charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 76.6% 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 $16,370 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -51.9% ROI and $44,960 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $13,386+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: University of Dubuque ranks #890 of 6101 institutions, with 1117 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
- 40.1% six-year graduation rate sits 22.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 76.6% first-year retention is 0.2 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -51.9% return on investment is 137.2 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $44,960 run about 3% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $23,386 is roughly $5,989 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 76.6% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 94.4% employment rate within three years sits 26.2 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $23,386 is about $5,989 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates University of Dubuque—a private nonprofit university in Dubuque, IA—at B overall. It stands at #890 among 6101 schools Grades by category break down as 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.
About 76.6% of first-year students return, and roughly 40.1% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -51.9%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $23,386 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $53,806.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,420 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $17,070 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 39.8% 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
Median earnings come in near $44,960 six years after enrollment. Compared with the national median, that's 3% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 94.4% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near -51.9%, 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
88.6% 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 University of Dubuque 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 University of Dubuque's acceptance rate?
University of Dubuque's acceptance rate is 88.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does University of Dubuque cost?
At University of Dubuque, listed tuition and fees are $42,095 per year, and the average net price after aid is $23,386. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is University of Dubuque's ranking?
University of Dubuque ranks #890 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is University of Dubuque's graduation rate?
At University of Dubuque, the six-year graduation rate is 40.1%, and first-year retention is 76.6%.
What are University of Dubuque's job outcomes?
Graduates of University of Dubuque report median earnings of $44,960 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is University of Dubuque's student population?
University of Dubuque enrolls about 1,440 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Dubuque, IA 52001
- Website www.dbq.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$222.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate45.1%