University of Dubuque vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Dubuque is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (1,757 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Dubuque is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• University of Dubuque is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Dubuque 10:1; Stephens College 8:1.

University of Dubuque vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Dubuque or Stephens 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 Stephens College than University of Dubuque ($23,194 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 9.1% lower than at Stephens College ($12,150 vs. $13,366).
• University of Dubuque is 48.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $13,795 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.7% higher at University of Dubuque than at Stephens College (about $13,795 more per year; $42,095.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at University of Dubuque as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Dubuque students is 18.9% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($27,758 vs. $23,341).

University of Dubuque vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 100 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming University of Dubuque students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 980/1220; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Dubuque 18/24; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Dubuque - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Stephens College students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.27) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• University of Dubuque has a higher acceptance rate (88.6%) than Stephens College (77.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.3% at University of Dubuque vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

University of Dubuque vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Stephens College's six-year graduation rate (55%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from University of Dubuque earn a median of about $4,400 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($41,800 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have a $1,326 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($25,674 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More Stephens College 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.