University of Dubuque
University of Dubuque — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Dubuque at a Glance
The University of Dubuque (UD) is a private Presbyterian university in Dubuque, Iowa. About 2,200 students attend the university.
Is University of Dubuque Worth It?
At a value score of 22/100, University of Dubuque is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $51,190 — 5% below average — while paying $23,386/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 41% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $25,750 representing 50% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Dubuque has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Dubuque compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #130 of 153 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Saint Peter's University | 72 | $12,199 | $57,815 |
| #5 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #6 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #130 | University of Dubuque | 22 | $23,386 | $51,190 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of University of Dubuque's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 6 in IA.
Best Programs at University of Dubuque
The highest-earning program at University of Dubuque is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $56,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Health and Physical Education/Fitness at $28,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from University of Dubuque earns $56,500, while a Health and Physical Education/Fitness graduate earns $28,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $23,661 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Health and Physical Education/Fitness.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,386/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $56,500 | $56,500 | $23,661 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $45,800 | $45,800 | $20,613 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $39,100 | $39,100 | $21,935 |
| Air Transportation | $38,500 | $38,500 | $23,750 |
| Marketing | $37,700 | $37,700 | $25,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $37,200 | $37,200 | $23,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $34,500 | $34,500 | $26,583 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $28,400 | $28,400 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Dubuque, IA
- Student Body
- 1,440 students
- Admission Rate
- 89%
- Graduation Rate
- 41%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,386
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $51,190
- Median Student Debt
- $25,750