University of Dubuque vs. Southwestern College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Southwestern College in Winfield, KS on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than Southwestern College based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 1,041 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

University of Dubuque vs. Southwestern College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or Southwestern 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 Southwestern College ($26,067 vs. $29,488).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwestern College are 5.6% lower than at University of Dubuque ($11,465 vs. $12,150).
• University of Dubuque is 5.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwestern College (about $2,273 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $39,822.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.7% higher at University of Dubuque than at Southwestern College (about $2,273 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $39,822.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque than at Southwestern College (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Southwestern College students is 4.2% larger than aid received by University of Dubuque students ($28,936 vs. $27,758).

University of Dubuque vs. Southwestern College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Dubuque (1100) is 40 points higher than at Southwestern College (1060).
• Incoming University of Dubuque students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Southwestern College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Southwestern College 900/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Southwestern College 17/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Southwestern College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwestern College Aug 22, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Southwestern College students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Southwestern College (75.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 19.1% at Southwestern College.

University of Dubuque vs. Southwestern College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Dubuque and Southwestern 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).

• Southwestern College's six-year graduation rate (57%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Southwestern College earn a median of about $11,300 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,100 vs. $41,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have a $76 lower median loan debt than Southwestern College graduates ($25,674 vs. $25,750).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southwestern College graduates ($265 vs. $266).
• More University of Dubuque graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwestern College students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 57%)

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.