Campus Vibe
Known for business — close-knit campus
University of Dubuque is a private institution in Dubuque with particular strength in business and health sciences. With an average SAT of 1119, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 1.5K undergraduates with a 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
41% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $51,190 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $23,250.
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
University of Dubuque Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1119
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
29.8%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$17,070
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
11
Peer Average
13
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (40)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
71%
- •71% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Spartans
History & Fun Facts
- •History The University of Dubuque has had a long history in Dubuque since its founding in 1852.
- •Early years Adrian Van Vliet founded the 'German Theological College and Seminary', the initial predecessor to the University of Dubuque, in 1852.
- •Although Van Vliet was Dutch, until 1896 all classes were conducted in German.
- •In 1864, the Presbytery of Dubuque assumed control of the institution, and it became known as 'The German Theological School of The North West'.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
Schools Like This
Des Moines University-Osteopathic Medical Center
West Des Moines, IA · Rural · Private
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA · Town · Private
Simpson College
Indianola, IA · Town · Private
Grand View University
Des Moines, IA · Urban · Private