At $23,250/yr net price, University of Dubuque graduates earn $51,190/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,190/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,250 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $93,000 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,190/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,190/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 41.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,617/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,871/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,992/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,386/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,752/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $57,589 | $13,362 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $27,617 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Master | $50,270 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $27,000 |
| Air Transportation. | Bachelor | $43,798 | $25,375 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $22,000 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $26,898 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $40,132 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $21,000 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $37,748 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
41.1% of students at University of Dubuque graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Dubuque delivers weak financial returns with concerning graduation rates that make the investment risky for most students. Only 41% of students graduate, meaning nearly 6 in 10 never complete their degree despite taking on debt.
Business Administration stands out as your best financial bet, generating nearly $58,000 annually with manageable debt of just $13,362. Nursing also pays well at $57,318 but comes with much higher debt at $27,617. These two programs justify the cost if you can handle the coursework and graduate on time.
Aviation programs produce disappointing returns at $43,798 despite specialized training, while Accounting graduates earn less than expected at $48,432 with substantial debt. Theology majors face the steepest financial challenge with earnings barely above $50,000 in a field with limited high-paying opportunities.
The 71% retention rate signals that many students struggle academically or financially after freshman year. If you transfer or drop out, you face debt without degree benefits. Your graduation odds improve if you enter with strong academic preparation and realistic expectations about the workload.
University of Dubuque works financially if you target Business Administration or Nursing, graduate within four years, and have backup funding if financial aid falls short. The school attracts students seeking smaller class sizes and personal attention, but you pay a premium for these benefits with limited return on investment. Students focused purely on financial outcomes should consider lower-cost alternatives with stronger graduation rates and job placement records in their target field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Dubuque worth the cost?
University of Dubuque's ROI is mixed, with graduates earning $51,190 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $23,250 annually. The 41% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts overall value.
What are the best paying majors at University of Dubuque?
Business and nursing programs at University of Dubuque offer the strongest earnings potential, with business grads averaging $57,589 and nursing grads earning $57,318. Aviation programs pay less at $43,798 despite the specialized training.
How much debt do University of Dubuque graduates have?
University of Dubuque graduates carry a median debt of $25,750, which is manageable compared to the national average. However, the low graduation rate means many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of Dubuque have good financial aid?
University of Dubuque's net price of $23,250 suggests reasonable financial aid for most students. The school's high acceptance rate of 85% means aid may be available, but students should verify specific packages before enrolling.