University of Dubuque vs Iowa State University
University of Dubuque is a private university in Dubuque, IA. Iowa State University is a public university in Ames, IA. Both admit about 89% of applicants. Students pay an average of about $18,589 a year at Iowa State University after aid, and about $23,386 at University of Dubuque. About 75% of students graduate at Iowa State University, compared with 41% at University of Dubuque. Ten years after enrolling, Iowa State University alumni earn a median of about $63,386, against $51,190 for University of Dubuque.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Dubuque, IA
Ames, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,440
25,367
Acceptance rate
89%
89%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
~3.76 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1220
1120–1360
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
21–28
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,386
$18,589
Full cost / yr
$53,806
$24,018
In-state tuition
$42,095
$10,787
Out-of-state tuition
$42,095
$28,881
Application fee
$0
$40
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,106
$10,582
$30k - $48k
$19,318
$11,506
$48k - $75k
$19,480
$15,463
$75k - $110k
$24,660
$19,605
Over $110k
$25,908
$22,496
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
75%
Freshman retention
77%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,960
$53,873
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,190
$63,386
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$22,869
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
19%
First-generation students
36%
20%
International students
3%
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.
- Is University of Dubuque or Iowa State University harder to get into?
- They are about equally selective: both admit around 89% of applicants. 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 Iowa State University?
- Iowa State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,589 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 Iowa State University?
- Before aid, Iowa State University costs about $24,018 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, University of Dubuque or Iowa State University?
- Iowa State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,582 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 Iowa State University?
- Iowa State University is the larger of the two, with about 25,367 undergraduates against 1,440 at University of Dubuque.
- Does University of Dubuque or Iowa State University have a better graduation rate?
- Iowa State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 75% against 41% at University of Dubuque.
- Do graduates of University of Dubuque or Iowa State University earn more?
- Iowa State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $63,386 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 Iowa State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Dubuque is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Iowa State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do University of Dubuque and Iowa State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1220 at University of Dubuque and 1120–1360 at Iowa State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Which of these is the better fit for you?
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