University of Dubuque vs. Northwestern College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Northwestern College in Orange City, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than Northwestern College based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 1,705 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Northwestern College is in Orange City, IA (Distant Town setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwestern College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Northwestern College 15:1.

University of Dubuque vs. Northwestern College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or Northwestern College? 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 Northwestern College ($26,067 vs. $26,347).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northwestern College are 10.3% lower than at University of Dubuque ($10,900 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 14.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwestern College (about $5,385 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.7% higher at University of Dubuque than at Northwestern College (about $5,385 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque as at Northwestern College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 17.9% larger than aid received by Northwestern College students ($27,758 vs. $23,537).

University of Dubuque vs. Northwestern College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 10 points higher than at Northwestern College (1090).
• Incoming Northwestern College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Northwestern College 940/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Northwestern College 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Northwestern College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern College students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Northwestern College (80.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 27.2% at Northwestern College.

University of Dubuque vs. Northwestern College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Northwestern College's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Dubuque earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Northwestern College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $38,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have a $582 lower median loan debt than University of Dubuque graduates ($25,092 vs. $25,674).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern College graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Dubuque graduates ($259 vs. $265).
• More Northwestern College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.