Students at the University of Dubuque achieve earnings beyond expectations, earning about $3,400 more than similar students at comparable institutions.
The university combines meaningful access for diverse students with financial outcomes that exceed predictions based on student backgrounds.
The University of Dubuque is a small private nonprofit institution in Iowa that emphasizes personal attention and career-focused programs. While it doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for overall outcomes, it serves students who prioritize the intimate college experience and specialized programs like aviation and business administration. The university enrolls about 40% Pell Grant recipients and 36% first-generation students, demonstrating meaningful access for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Graduates earn a median of $51,190 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the 41st percentile nationally. What's notable is that students actually earn about $3,385 more than would be expected based on their backgrounds and the institution's profile, suggesting the university adds meaningful value to student outcomes. The university's mobility quadrant classification as "Under-Resourced Institutions" reflects both strong access for low-income students and more modest earnings outcomes.
As a small private college, the University of Dubuque offers the benefits of close faculty mentorship, small class sizes, and personalized support that many students find valuable for their academic and personal development.
The University of Dubuque's program portfolio reflects its focus on career-oriented education with practical applications. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the largest program with 77 graduates and a reliable pathway to stable earnings around $42,682. This program's size and consistent outcomes make it a cornerstone of the university's academic offerings.
The Aviation program represents a unique strength, graduating 40 students annually with median earnings of $43,798. This specialized field offers strong job market prospects and reflects the university's commitment to programs that prepare students for specific career paths with good growth potential. The program's focused nature and industry connections help explain its solid earnings outcomes.
Corrections Administration, while smaller with 28 graduates, provides another example of the university's career-focused approach. With earnings around $35,701, this program prepares students for stable public sector careers in criminal justice and corrections. The university's emphasis on practical, professionally-oriented programs helps students develop specific skills that translate directly into employment opportunities after graduation.
The University of Dubuque delivers moderate but steady financial returns for graduates. Ten years after enrollment, students earn a median of $51,190, placing the institution around the 41st percentile nationally among similar colleges. While these earnings are below those at top-performing institutions, graduates actually earn about $3,385 more than would be expected given their academic and demographic profiles, indicating the university provides meaningful value beyond what the raw numbers might suggest.
The strongest financial outcomes come from the university's career-focused programs. Business Administration and Management is both the largest program with 77 graduates and delivers solid returns with median earnings of $42,682. The Aviation program, with 40 graduates, produces earnings of $43,798 and represents a specialized field with strong job market demand. Corrections Administration, though smaller with 28 graduates, offers a pathway into stable public sector careers with earnings around $35,701.
While the University of Dubuque may not produce the highest absolute earnings, the combination of earnings beyond expectations and specialized program offerings provides students with reliable career preparation. The university's focus on practical, career-oriented education in fields like business and aviation helps explain why graduates often outperform initial expectations in the job market.
The University of Dubuque maintains relatively accessible pricing for a private institution, though costs vary significantly by family income level. Low-income students pay a net price of about $16,617 annually, which represents substantial financial aid support and places the university within reach for many Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families face higher costs at around $20,992 per year, while high-income families pay approximately $26,752 annually.
Debt levels reflect the reality of private college financing, with typical graduates carrying about $25,750 in federal student loan debt. Many families also utilize Parent PLUS loans, which average $18,092 at this institution. Despite these borrowing levels, the university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates are generally able to manage their debt obligations successfully after graduation.
The combination of moderate earnings and manageable debt creates a sustainable financial picture for most students. While the upfront costs are higher than public alternatives, the university's financial aid programs help make attendance feasible for students from diverse economic backgrounds, and the career-focused programs provide pathways to stable employment that supports debt repayment.
University Of Dubuque Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
