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Loras College vs Upper Iowa University

Loras College is a private college in Dubuque, IA, and Upper Iowa University is a private university in Fayette, IA. Upper Iowa University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 96% of applicants against 100% at Loras College. Loras College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,716 a year against $20,942 at Upper Iowa University. About 69% of students graduate at Loras College, compared with 38% at Upper Iowa University. Ten years after enrolling, Loras College alumni earn a median of about $58,289, against $52,766 for Upper Iowa University.

Loras College

Dubuque, IA · Private

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dubuque, IA
Fayette, IA
Setting
Urban
Rural
Undergraduates
1,083
1,994
Acceptance rate
100%
96%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.13–3.63
3.13–3.63
SAT (middle 50%)
965–1145
970–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
20–25
17–23
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$20,716
$20,942
Full cost / yr
$50,537
$34,022
In-state tuition
$39,824
$19,475
Out-of-state tuition
$39,824
$19,475
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$20,479
$17,715
$30k - $48k
$17,033
$22,774
$48k - $75k
$15,624
$18,720
$75k - $110k
$20,233
$20,041
Over $110k
$23,039
$23,805
Outcomes
Graduation rate
69%
38%
Freshman retention
82%
68%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$46,069
$48,776
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,289
$52,766
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$25,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
23%
32%
First-generation students
17%
45%
International students
5%
4%
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 Loras College or Upper Iowa University harder to get into?
Upper Iowa University is harder to get into. It admits about 96% of applicants, compared with 100% at Loras College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Loras College or Upper Iowa University?
Loras College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,716 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $20,942 at Upper Iowa University. 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 Loras College and Upper Iowa University?
Before aid, Upper Iowa University costs about $34,022 a year and Loras College about $50,537. 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, Loras College or Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,715 there, against about $20,479 at Loras College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Loras College or Upper Iowa University?
Upper Iowa University is the larger of the two, with about 1,994 undergraduates against 1,083 at Loras College.
Does Loras College or Upper Iowa University have a better graduation rate?
Loras College has the higher graduation rate, at about 69% against 38% at Upper Iowa University.
Do graduates of Loras College or Upper Iowa University earn more?
Loras College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $58,289 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,766 for Upper Iowa University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Loras College and Upper Iowa University require SAT or ACT scores?
Loras College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Upper Iowa University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Loras College and Upper Iowa University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 965–1145 at Loras College and 970–1160 at Upper Iowa University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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