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University of Dubuque vs Mount Mercy University

University of Dubuque is a private university in Dubuque, IA. Mount Mercy University is a private university in Cedar Rapids, IA. Mount Mercy University admits about 83% of applicants and University of Dubuque about 89%, making Mount Mercy University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $20,168 a year at Mount Mercy University after aid, and about $23,386 at University of Dubuque. About 57% of students graduate at Mount Mercy University, compared with 41% at University of Dubuque. Ten years after enrolling, Mount Mercy University alumni earn a median of about $60,787, against $51,190 for University of Dubuque.

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA · Private

Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dubuque, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,440
1,107
Acceptance rate
89%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1220
1010–1210
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
19–25
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,386
$20,168
Full cost / yr
$53,806
$55,054
In-state tuition
$42,095
$40,878
Out-of-state tuition
$42,095
$40,878
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,106
$17,070
$30k - $48k
$19,318
$15,294
$48k - $75k
$19,480
$16,883
$75k - $110k
$24,660
$20,311
Over $110k
$25,908
$25,244
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
57%
Freshman retention
77%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,960
$52,871
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,190
$60,787
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$23,699
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
27%
First-generation students
36%
29%
International students
3%
12%
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 University of Dubuque or Mount Mercy University harder to get into?
Mount Mercy University is harder to get into. It admits about 83% 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 Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,168 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 Mount Mercy University?
Before aid, University of Dubuque costs about $53,806 a year and Mount Mercy University about $55,054. 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 Mount Mercy University?
Mount Mercy University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,070 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 Mount Mercy University?
University of Dubuque is the larger of the two, with about 1,440 undergraduates against 1,107 at Mount Mercy University.
Does University of Dubuque or Mount Mercy University have a better graduation rate?
Mount Mercy University has the higher graduation rate, at about 57% against 41% at University of Dubuque.
Do graduates of University of Dubuque or Mount Mercy University earn more?
Mount Mercy University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $60,787 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 Mount Mercy University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Dubuque is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Mount Mercy University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Dubuque and Mount Mercy University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1220 at University of Dubuque and 1010–1210 at Mount Mercy 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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