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University of Dubuque vs Simpson College

University of Dubuque is a private university in Dubuque, IA, and Simpson College is a private college in Indianola, IA. Simpson College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 86% of applicants against 89% at University of Dubuque. Simpson College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $21,936 a year against $23,386 at University of Dubuque. About 64% of students graduate at Simpson College, compared with 41% at University of Dubuque. Ten years after enrolling, Simpson College alumni earn a median of about $59,274, against $51,190 for University of Dubuque.

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA · Private

Simpson College

Indianola, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dubuque, IA
Indianola, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,440
1,227
Acceptance rate
89%
86%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1220
890–1280
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
31–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,386
$21,936
Full cost / yr
$53,806
$61,227
In-state tuition
$42,095
$47,656
Out-of-state tuition
$42,095
$47,656
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,106
$17,941
$30k - $48k
$19,318
$15,764
$48k - $75k
$19,480
$19,176
$75k - $110k
$24,660
$22,468
Over $110k
$25,908
$26,586
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
64%
Freshman retention
77%
81%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,960
$49,946
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,190
$59,274
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$26,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
35%
First-generation students
36%
23%
International students
3%
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 University of Dubuque or Simpson College harder to get into?
Simpson 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, University of Dubuque or Simpson College?
Simpson College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $21,936 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 Simpson College?
Before aid, University of Dubuque costs about $53,806 a year and Simpson College about $61,227. 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 Simpson College?
Simpson College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $17,941 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 Simpson College?
University of Dubuque is the larger of the two, with about 1,440 undergraduates against 1,227 at Simpson College.
Does University of Dubuque or Simpson College have a better graduation rate?
Simpson College has the higher graduation rate, at about 64% against 41% at University of Dubuque.
Do graduates of University of Dubuque or Simpson College earn more?
Simpson College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,274 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 Simpson College require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Dubuque is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Simpson College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Dubuque and Simpson College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1220 at University of Dubuque and 890–1280 at Simpson 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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