Dubuque, IA · Private University
Is University of Dubuque Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$51,190
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$40,065
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,065
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$160,260
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.28x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
9.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
41.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,750
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$23,250
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of Dubuque graduates earn $6,190 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at University of Dubuque ranked by graduate earnings
24 graduates
29 graduates
29 graduates
85 graduates
29 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of Dubuque
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Air TransportationBest ROI | $68,260 | 1.7x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $64,831 | 1.6x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,008 | 1.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $55,640 | 1.4x |
| Marketing | $55,208 | 1.4x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $55,013 | 1.4x |
| Human Resources Management and Services(1yr data) | $48,657 | 1.2x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $46,564 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $43,965 | 1.1x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and MethodsLowest | $41,888 | 1.1x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of Dubuque delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $51,190 10 years after starting, $6,190 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 9.9 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.