About University of Dubuque
The University of Dubuque draws serious student-athletes who want both rigorous academics and competitive sports at a small Presbyterian university. With 1,473 students on a compact campus in this Mississippi River city, the school has built a reputation for aviation, business, and education programs. About 42% of the student body competes in varsity athletics across 23 Division III sports, making this one of the most athletic campuses in Iowa.
Students pay an average net price of $23,250 after financial aid, which represents substantial savings from the $40,065 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $51,190 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $25,750 in debt with monthly payments around $273. The financial picture improves over time, with five-year median earnings reaching $57,222. Low-income families pay especially little, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $16,617 net.
The school's 41% six-year graduation rate reflects its open admissions philosophy, accepting 85% of applicants including many first-generation college students. Men outnumber women 59% to 41%, unusual for most colleges today. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 71% retention rate suggests most students who start here want to stay.
Students pay an average net price of $23,250 after financial aid, which represents substantial savings from the $40,065 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $51,190 ten years after graduation, though they typically carry $25,750 in debt with monthly payments around $273. The financial picture improves over time, with five-year median earnings reaching $57,222. Low-income families pay especially little, with those earning under $30,000 paying just $16,617 net.
The school's 41% six-year graduation rate reflects its open admissions philosophy, accepting 85% of applicants including many first-generation college students. Men outnumber women 59% to 41%, unusual for most colleges today. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, while the 71% retention rate suggests most students who start here want to stay.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Dubuque operates as a full private university with Presbyterian roots, emphasizing personalized education through an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. However, the 41% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees despite the small class sizes. The school is particularly known for its strong aviation program, which draws students from across the country to its flight training facilities. Business and education programs also attract significant enrollment. The university's focus on career preparation shows in its impressive 97.7% employment rate for graduates. With 23 varsity sports and a tight-knit campus community of just 1,473 students, academics blend with extensive extracurricular opportunities in this Mississippi River town setting.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 41.1%
- Retention Rate
- 71.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,190
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,589 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $50,270 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $43,798 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,132 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $39,369 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $37,748 |
Campus Life
Students walk between academic buildings on a compact 77-acre campus overlooking the Mississippi River. About 62% of undergraduates live in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. The campus sits in historic Dubuque, a river town of 60,000 that's two hours from both Chicago and Minneapolis.
Winter coats are essential here. January temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and snow blankets the campus from December through March. The 621 student-athletes represent 42% of the entire student body, making Spartan athletic events major social gatherings. With 23 varsity sports competing in Division III, games draw crowds throughout the academic year. Students often head to the nearby National Mississippi River Museum or explore Dubuque's revitalized downtown district on weekends. The Presbyterian heritage creates a values-centered atmosphere, though students come from diverse backgrounds. Study groups form naturally in residence halls, where the 71% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this small-town campus community.
Winter coats are essential here. January temperatures regularly drop below freezing, and snow blankets the campus from December through March. The 621 student-athletes represent 42% of the entire student body, making Spartan athletic events major social gatherings. With 23 varsity sports competing in Division III, games draw crowds throughout the academic year. Students often head to the nearby National Mississippi River Museum or explore Dubuque's revitalized downtown district on weekends. The Presbyterian heritage creates a values-centered atmosphere, though students come from diverse backgrounds. Study groups form naturally in residence halls, where the 71% retention rate reflects students who find their place in this small-town campus community.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 911 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1852
Campus Safety (2023)
25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–27°F
- July Avg
- 65°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -744.0"
Student Demographics
Most students travel from outside Iowa to attend the University of Dubuque, with nearly 77% coming from other states. This Presbyterian-affiliated university draws students seeking its aviation, business, and health science programs that have built a regional reputation. The student body leans male at 59%, reflecting strong enrollment in aviation and other technical fields. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making private education accessible to working-class families. The diverse mix includes students from various racial and economic backgrounds united by the university's focus on practical, career-oriented education.
- Men
- 59.3%
- Women
- 40.7%
- White
- 70.1%
- Black
- 9.6%
- Hispanic
- 5.5%
- Asian
- 1.2%
- In-State Students
- 23.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.4%
Location
Dubuque sits along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, about 180 miles west of Chicago. The city of 58,000 residents offers a small-city atmosphere with historic architecture and river bluffs that define the landscape. Over 76% of University of Dubuque students come from out of state, drawn to this riverfront community that blends Midwestern charm with outdoor recreation opportunities. The Mississippi provides kayaking and fishing, while the surrounding bluffs offer hiking trails. Downtown Dubuque features restored 19th-century buildings housing local restaurants and shops within walking distance of campus. The area maintains strong German and Irish heritage visible in local festivals and architecture. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare University of Dubuque with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dubuque, Iowa 52001
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,190
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,222
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $273/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Dubuque?
University of Dubuque accepts 85% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The school focuses on providing opportunities for students to grow academically and spiritually within its Presbyterian tradition.
How much does University of Dubuque cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $23,250 after aid, less than the full tuition of $40,065. The school provides institutional grants averaging $25,005 to about 22% of students, helping make this private education more affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Dubuque?
The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, allowing for personalized attention in small classes. With only 1,473 total students, professors know their students by name and can provide individualized mentoring.
What do graduates of University of Dubuque earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $51,190 ten years after graduation, with 97.7% finding employment. However, the school's 41% six-year graduation rate indicates that completing the degree can be challenging for many students.
Where do University of Dubuque students live on campus?
The campus can house 911 students in residence halls, serving about 62% of the total enrollment of 1,473. The small-city setting of Dubuque provides a close-knit community atmosphere along the Mississippi River.
How many sports does University of Dubuque offer?
The Spartans compete in 23 varsity sports with 621 total athletes in NCAA Division III competition. This means about 42% of the student body participates in varsity athletics, creating a strong campus sports culture despite offering no athletic scholarships.
