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University of Dubuque vs Grinnell College

University of Dubuque is a private university in Dubuque, IA, and Grinnell College is a private college in Grinnell, IA. Grinnell College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 15% of applicants against 89% at University of Dubuque. Grinnell College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,648 a year against $23,386 at University of Dubuque. About 88% of students graduate at Grinnell College, compared with 41% at University of Dubuque. Ten years after enrolling, Grinnell College alumni earn a median of about $62,830, against $51,190 for University of Dubuque.

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA · Private

Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dubuque, IA
Grinnell, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,440
1,729
Acceptance rate
89%
15%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1220
1410–1540
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
31–34
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,386
$17,648
Full cost / yr
$53,806
$83,440
In-state tuition
$42,095
$68,106
Out-of-state tuition
$42,095
$68,106
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,106
$9,970
$30k - $48k
$19,318
$7,789
$48k - $75k
$19,480
$9,669
$75k - $110k
$24,660
$19,348
Over $110k
$25,908
$37,725
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
88%
Freshman retention
77%
93%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,960
$49,004
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,190
$62,830
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$17,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
18%
First-generation students
36%
18%
International students
3%
21%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 15
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Jan 15

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 University of Dubuque or Grinnell College harder to get into?
Grinnell College is harder to get into. It admits about 15% 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, University of Dubuque or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,648 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 University of Dubuque and Grinnell College?
Before aid, University of Dubuque costs about $53,806 a year and Grinnell College about $83,440. 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, University of Dubuque or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,970 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, University of Dubuque or Grinnell College?
Grinnell College is the larger of the two, with about 1,729 undergraduates against 1,440 at University of Dubuque.
Does University of Dubuque or Grinnell College have a better graduation rate?
Grinnell College has the higher graduation rate, at about 88% against 41% at University of Dubuque.
Do graduates of University of Dubuque or Grinnell College earn more?
Grinnell College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $62,830 ten years after enrolling, against about $51,190 for University of Dubuque. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Dubuque and Grinnell College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Dubuque is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Grinnell College considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do University of Dubuque and Grinnell College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1220 at University of Dubuque and 1410–1540 at Grinnell College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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