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
The University of Dubuque gives you a mixed financial return that leans thin. A median 10-year earnings figure in the low $50,000s against a net price above $23,000 a year means it takes years of post-graduation income before this degree pays for itself. The 41% graduation rate is the bigger warning: fewer than half of you finish, and if you leave with debt but no diploma, the math turns badly against you.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays roughly $9,000 more per year than accounting and about $14,000 more than the business and human resources programs, which cluster in the low $40,000s. If you come for nursing, the debt load of about $27,600 is manageable against those earnings. If you enroll in business, management, or HR, you carry similar debt for meaningfully lower pay. Air transportation sits in the middle and depends heavily on the aviation job market you enter.
The specific risk at Dubuque is the gap between cost and completion. A 71% retention rate means nearly three in ten of you don't return after freshman year, and every dollar borrowed without a degree is pure loss. Choose a low-paying major here and finish, and you still spend a decade climbing back to break-even.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay around $16,600 a year. above $110,000, you pay nearly $27,000. Dubuque is a reasonable financial bet if you're coming for nursing or qualify for the lower price tiers and are confident you'll graduate. If you're paying the top tier for a business or HR degree, look at cheaper in-state options first.
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.