Valpo vs. University of Dubuque

Comparable Facts

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

Valparaiso University is larger than University of Dubuque based on total student enrollment (2,579 students vs. 1,757 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Valpo vs. University of Dubuque Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Valpo 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 Valparaiso University than University of Dubuque ($21,766 vs. $26,067).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Dubuque are 10.8% lower than at Valparaiso University ($12,150 vs. $13,618).
• Valparaiso University is 15.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Dubuque (about $6,355 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $42,095.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.1% higher at Valpo than at University of Dubuque (about $6,355 more per year; $48,450.00 vs. $42,095.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Valparaiso University as at University of Dubuque (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valparaiso University students is 35.3% larger than aid received by University of Dubuque students ($37,548 vs. $27,758).

Valpo vs. University of Dubuque Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Valpo 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 Valpo.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valparaiso University (1170) is 70 points higher than at University of Dubuque (1100).
• Incoming Valpo students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 21 at University of Dubuque).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 1060/1280; University of Dubuque 980/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valparaiso University 23/31; University of Dubuque 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Valpo - Test optional; University of Dubuque - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Valpo students have a 0.52 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at University of Dubuque (3.24).
• Valpo has a higher acceptance rate (89.4%) than University of Dubuque (88.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.6% at Valpo vs. 23.3% at University of Dubuque.

Valpo vs. University of Dubuque Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Valpo 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).

• Valparaiso University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than University of Dubuque's (41%).
• Graduates from Valparaiso University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than University of Dubuque graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 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 Valpo graduates ($25,674 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, University of Dubuque graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Valpo graduates ($265 vs. $279).
• More Valpo graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Dubuque students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.