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Central College vs University of Dubuque

Central College is a private college in Pella, IA, and University of Dubuque is a private university in Dubuque, IA. Central College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 86% of applicants against 89% at University of Dubuque. Central College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,377 a year against $23,386 at University of Dubuque. About 68% of students graduate at Central College, compared with 41% at University of Dubuque. Ten years after enrolling, Central College alumni earn a median of about $54,317, against $51,190 for University of Dubuque.

Central College

Pella, IA · Private

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Pella, IA
Dubuque, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,070
1,440
Acceptance rate
86%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.29–3.79
3.31–3.81
SAT (middle 50%)
1056–1120
980–1220
ACT (middle 50%)
20–26
18–24
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,377
$23,386
Full cost / yr
$37,773
$53,806
In-state tuition
$20,988
$42,095
Out-of-state tuition
$20,988
$42,095
Application fee
$25
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$16,231
$18,106
$30k - $48k
$16,237
$19,318
$48k - $75k
$19,532
$19,480
$75k - $110k
$21,936
$24,660
Over $110k
$27,165
$25,908
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
41%
Freshman retention
80%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,115
$44,960
Median earnings (10 yr)
$54,317
$51,190
Median debt at graduation
$26,984
$25,750
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
40%
First-generation students
21%
36%
International students
0%
3%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Central College or University of Dubuque harder to get into?
Central College is harder to get into. It admits about 86% of applicants, compared with 89% at University of Dubuque. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Central College or University of Dubuque?
Central College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,377 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,386 at University of Dubuque. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Central College and University of Dubuque?
Before aid, Central College costs about $37,773 a year and University of Dubuque about $53,806. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Central College or University of Dubuque?
Central College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $16,231 there, against about $18,106 at University of Dubuque. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Central College or University of Dubuque?
University of Dubuque is the larger of the two, with about 1,440 undergraduates against 1,070 at Central College.
Does Central College or University of Dubuque have a better graduation rate?
Central College has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 41% at University of Dubuque.
Do graduates of Central College or University of Dubuque earn more?
Central College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $54,317 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,190 for University of Dubuque. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Central College and University of Dubuque require SAT or ACT scores?
Central College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. University of Dubuque is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Central College and University of Dubuque look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1056–1120 at Central College and 980–1220 at University of Dubuque. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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