About Dordt University
Students pay an average net price of $25,383 after aid, less than the sticker price of $48,400. Graduates earn a median of $52,559 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $21,500 manageable with monthly payments around $228. The 91.28% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni handle their financial obligations successfully. For families earning under $75,000, net costs drop to around $21,000-$23,000.
With 685 athletes competing in 17 varsity sports, nearly half the student body participates in athletics. The 87.67% acceptance rate welcomes students with ACT scores averaging 25, though the 66.16% four-year graduation rate indicates academic rigor remains high. Students come from across the Midwest and beyond, with 61% traveling from out-of-state to join this tight-knit Reformed community where 85.16% return for sophomore year.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 58.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 66.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.3%
- Retention Rate
- 85.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,559
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $57,770 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $56,776 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Bachelor | $48,823 |
| Animal Sciences. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $35,954 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,746 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $28,381 |
Campus Life
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and often join students for chapel three times weekly. With 685 total athletes competing in 17 varsity sports, games draw big crowds despite the NJCAA division level. Weekend activities center around residence hall communities, intramural sports, and trips to nearby lakes. The 85.16% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this faith-focused environment. Small-town isolation means campus becomes your world, but the 98.2% employment rate shows graduates leave prepared for careers beyond Sioux Center's corn fields.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 1,509 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1955
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 9°–28°F
- July Avg
- 61°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 29.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 34.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 51.0%
- Women
- 49.0%
- White
- 80.4%
- Black
- 0.5%
- Hispanic
- 2.7%
- Asian
- 1.0%
- In-State Students
- 39.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 18.3%
Location
- Address
- Sioux Center, Iowa 51250-1606
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $52,559
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,018
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 91.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Dordt University?
Dordt University admits 87.67% of applicants, making it accessible to most qualified students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020-1260 on the SAT, reflecting the university's commitment to welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds into its Christian Reformed community.
How much does Dordt University cost after financial aid?
Students at Dordt University pay an average net price of $25,383 annually after aid, despite a sticker price of $48,400. The university provides institutional grants averaging $21,920 to 27% of students, making this Reformed Christian education more affordable than the published tuition suggests.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Dordt University?
Dordt University maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,547 total students enrolled. This small-college environment allows for close mentoring relationships that align with the university's mission to integrate faith and learning across all academic disciplines.
What do graduates of Dordt University typically earn?
Dordt University graduates earn a median salary of $52,559 ten years after graduation, with a strong 98.2% employment rate. The university's emphasis on practical Christian service and liberal arts education prepares students for meaningful careers while maintaining relatively low debt loads with a median of $21,500.
Where is Dordt University located and what is campus life like?
Dordt University sits in Sioux Center, Iowa, a remote town setting that creates a tight-knit campus community. With housing capacity for 1,509 students and 17 varsity sports programs, the Defenders compete in NJCAA athletics while building strong Christian fellowship in rural Iowa.
What makes Dordt University unique among Christian colleges?
Dordt University stands out for its specific Christian Reformed theological perspective, founded in 1955 to provide education grounded in Reformed theology. With 685 student-athletes receiving over $5 million in athletic scholarships, the university combines serious academics with competitive sports while maintaining its distinctive Reformed worldview.
