Skip to content

University of Dubuque vs William Penn University

University of Dubuque is a private university in Dubuque, IA, and William Penn University is a private university in Oskaloosa, IA. William Penn University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 52% of applicants against 89% at University of Dubuque. William Penn University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $22,601 a year against $23,386 at University of Dubuque. About 41% of students graduate at University of Dubuque, compared with 31% at William Penn University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Dubuque alumni earn a median of about $51,190, against $48,936 for William Penn University.

University of Dubuque

Dubuque, IA · Private

William Penn University

Oskaloosa, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dubuque, IA
Oskaloosa, IA
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,440
1,301
Acceptance rate
89%
52%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.31–3.81
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
980–1220
880–1110
ACT (middle 50%)
18–24
16–22
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,386
$22,601
Full cost / yr
$53,806
$42,874
In-state tuition
$42,095
$29,750
Out-of-state tuition
$42,095
$29,750
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$18,106
$20,608
$30k - $48k
$19,318
$19,378
$48k - $75k
$19,480
$20,560
$75k - $110k
$24,660
$24,245
Over $110k
$25,908
$25,916
Outcomes
Graduation rate
41%
31%
Freshman retention
77%
58%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$44,960
$40,189
Median earnings (10 yr)
$51,190
$48,936
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$22,415
Student body
Pell grant recipients
40%
47%
First-generation students
36%
38%
International students
3%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Apr 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 William Penn University harder to get into?
William Penn University is harder to get into. It admits about 52% 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 William Penn University?
William Penn University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $22,601 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 William Penn University?
Before aid, William Penn University costs about $42,874 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 William Penn University?
University of Dubuque. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $18,106 there, against about $20,608 at William Penn University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, University of Dubuque or William Penn University?
University of Dubuque is the larger of the two, with about 1,440 undergraduates against 1,301 at William Penn University.
Does University of Dubuque or William Penn University have a better graduation rate?
University of Dubuque has the higher graduation rate, at about 41% against 31% at William Penn University.
Do graduates of University of Dubuque or William Penn University earn more?
University of Dubuque alumni earn more on average: a median of about $51,190 ten years after enrolling, against about $48,936 for William Penn University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do University of Dubuque and William Penn University require SAT or ACT scores?
University of Dubuque is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. William Penn University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do University of Dubuque and William Penn University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 980–1220 at University of Dubuque and 880–1110 at William Penn University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school