BSU vs. University of Dubuque

Comparable Facts

Compare Ball State University in Muncie, IN with University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Ball State University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (21,089 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Ball State University is located in Muncie, IN (Small City setting); University of Dubuque is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Ball State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Ball State University 14:1; University of Dubuque 10:1.

BSU vs. University of Dubuque Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, BSU or University of Dubuque? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Ball State University than University of Dubuque ($13,599 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 1.5% lower than at Ball State University ($12,150 vs. $12,334).
• University of Dubuque is 279.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than BSU (about $31,013 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $11,082.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 42.1% higher at University of Dubuque than at Ball State University (about $12,465 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $29,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Ball State University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 110% larger than aid received by Ball State University students ($27,758 vs. $13,218).

BSU vs. University of Dubuque Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, BSU or University of Dubuque? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between University of Dubuque and BSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Ball State University (1170) is 70 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming BSU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 1080/1260; University of Dubuque 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Ball State University 20/24; University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: BSU - Test optional; University of Dubuque - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman BSU students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than BSU (85.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.4% at BSU vs. 23.3% at University of Dubuque.

BSU vs. University of Dubuque Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for BSU and University of Dubuque? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Ball State University's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Ball State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,500 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Ball State University graduates have a $674 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, BSU graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($258 vs. $265).
• More BSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.