About Loras College
The Duhawks build tight-knit communities around Catholic values and practical career preparation. With just 1,087 students in small-city Dubuque, Loras College focuses heavily on education and business programs that get graduates working. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and career goals. Students come from across the Midwest, though only 33% are Iowa natives.
The sticker price hits $48,766, but most families pay far less through generous aid packages. Students with family incomes under $48,000 typically pay around $15,000 after grants and scholarships. The average graduate leaves with $26,000 in debt but earns a median $58,289 ten years later. Monthly loan payments of $276 become manageable when 98% of graduates find employment. The math works out for most families seeking solid career preparation without crushing debt.
Men outnumber women 60% to 40%, creating a male-heavy campus culture. Nearly 600 students compete in 23 NCAA Division III sports, making athletics a major part of campus life. The 83% retention rate suggests students stick around once they find their place in this close-knit Catholic community.
The sticker price hits $48,766, but most families pay far less through generous aid packages. Students with family incomes under $48,000 typically pay around $15,000 after grants and scholarships. The average graduate leaves with $26,000 in debt but earns a median $58,289 ten years later. Monthly loan payments of $276 become manageable when 98% of graduates find employment. The math works out for most families seeking solid career preparation without crushing debt.
Men outnumber women 60% to 40%, creating a male-heavy campus culture. Nearly 600 students compete in 23 NCAA Division III sports, making athletics a major part of campus life. The 83% retention rate suggests students stick around once they find their place in this close-knit Catholic community.
Academics & Faculty
Loras College operates as a Catholic liberal arts institution where students explore broad-based education alongside career preparation. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide individualized attention. Education and business programs attract many students seeking practical career paths with strong job placement rates. The college's 69.90% six-year graduation rate reflects solid academic support, though some students need extra time to complete degrees. Liberal arts means students take courses across multiple disciplines before specializing in their major. The Catholic identity influences campus culture but doesn't restrict academic inquiry. Small class sizes foster discussion-based learning rather than large lecture halls.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.7%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 68.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 69.9%
- Retention Rate
- 82.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,289
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $51,607 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $43,240 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,737 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $40,188 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $36,437 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,847 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $33,993 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $32,925 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
Campus Life
Students at this small Catholic college experience tight-knit campus life in the rolling hills of eastern Iowa. With 1,087 students and housing capacity for 898, most undergraduates live on campus and form close relationships through the 12:1 student-faculty ratio. The Duhawks compete in 23 varsity sports with 597 total athletes, meaning over half the student body participates in athletics at the Division III level.
Dubuque sits along the Mississippi River about three hours from Chicago and Minneapolis, giving students access to larger cities while enjoying a scenic college town atmosphere. Iowa winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February. The 59% male to 41% female ratio creates a unique campus active, while the strong Catholic identity shapes many campus traditions and service opportunities. Students often gather at local river bluffs for hiking or head downtown to Dubuque's historic district for weekend activities. The 83% retention rate reflects how students bond with this close community during their college years.
Dubuque sits along the Mississippi River about three hours from Chicago and Minneapolis, giving students access to larger cities while enjoying a scenic college town atmosphere. Iowa winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February. The 59% male to 41% female ratio creates a unique campus active, while the strong Catholic identity shapes many campus traditions and service opportunities. Students often gather at local river bluffs for hiking or head downtown to Dubuque's historic district for weekend activities. The 83% retention rate reflects how students bond with this close community during their college years.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 898 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–27°F
- July Avg
- 64°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 38.8"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.1"
Student Demographics
Loras draws students from across the Midwest, with two-thirds coming from outside Iowa to this Catholic liberal arts college in historic Dubuque. The student body leans male, reflecting strong programs in business and athletics that attract men. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable Catholic education. The diverse geographic mix suggests Loras has built a regional reputation beyond Iowa's borders. Students typically come from Catholic backgrounds or families valuing the personal attention that comes with 1,087 total enrollment.
- Men
- 59.6%
- Women
- 40.4%
- White
- 74.2%
- Black
- 4.4%
- Hispanic
- 8.6%
- Asian
- 1.1%
- In-State Students
- 33.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.3%
Location
Loras College sits in Dubuque, Iowa, a Mississippi River city about 200 miles west of Chicago. The city of 58,000 residents combines historic architecture with river bluffs and outdoor recreation opportunities. Dubuque's location along the Mississippi provides students with scenic views and water activities. The college draws 33% of its students from Iowa, while the majority come from surrounding Midwest states. The small-city setting offers more cultural amenities than typical college towns, including museums, theaters, and riverboat casinos. Students benefit from internship opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and river commerce industries that anchor Dubuque's economy. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Loras College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0178
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,289
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,200
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $276/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Loras College?
Loras College accepts 89.84% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. This Catholic liberal arts college in Dubuque prioritizes building a close-knit community over ultra-selective admissions.
How much does Loras College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,057 annually after aid, lower than the $38,298 sticker price. The college provides institutional grants averaging $24,638 to about 27% of students, making this private education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Loras College?
Loras maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,087 total students enrolled. This small scale allows for personalized attention in the college's strong education and business programs.
What do graduates of Loras College typically earn?
Alumni earn a median salary of $58,289 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 97.8% employment rate. The 69.90% six-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment that helps students complete their degrees.
Where do most Loras College students come from?
Only 33% of students are from Iowa, meaning most Duhawks travel from other states to attend this small-city college. The student body is 74.24% white with growing diversity, particularly among Hispanic students at 8.56%.
Does Loras College offer athletic scholarships?
Loras provides $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution that emphasizes academics over athletics. However, 597 students participate in 23 varsity sports as Duhawks in the American Rivers Conference, showing strong campus engagement in athletics.
