University of Dubuque vs. Nichols

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Nichols College in Dudley, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than Nichols based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 1,392 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Nichols College is in Dudley, MA (Rural Fringe setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Nichols College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Nichols College 15:1.

University of Dubuque vs. Nichols Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or Nichols? 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 University of Dubuque than Nichols ($26,067 vs. $32,337).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 23.1% lower than at Nichols College ($12,150 vs. $15,800).
• Nichols College is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dubuque (about $610 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $42,095.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.4% higher at Nichols than at University of Dubuque (about $610 more per year; $42,705.00 vs. $42,095.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Nichols College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 7.6% larger than aid received by Nichols College students ($27,758 vs. $25,809).

University of Dubuque vs. Nichols Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Dubuque or Nichols? 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 Nichols and University of Dubuque.

• Nichols College reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Nichols College (1130) is 30 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Nichols College 1028/1236.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Nichols - Open admission.
• Accepted freshman University of Dubuque students have a 0.34 point higher average high school GPA (3.24) than students at Nichols (2.9).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Nichols (80.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 18.1% at Nichols.

University of Dubuque vs. Nichols Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dubuque and Nichols? 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).

• Nichols College's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Nichols College earn a median of about $10,000 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,800 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have a $1,326 lower median loan debt than Nichols graduates ($25,674 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nichols graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More Nichols graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.