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University of Dubuque

#846 in US ranking Dubuque, IA
Type:
Private not-for-profit
Programs:
4 years or more

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Cost

Cost / year
$55,110
Tuition & fees
$44,190
Avg. aid
$24,637
Receiving aid
100%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
89%
SAT range
980–1220
ACT range
18–24

Outcomes

Graduation rate
40%
Median salary
$50,141
1 yr after graduation

What is the history of University of Dubuque?

The University of Dubuque is a private university in Dubuque, Iowa, with roots in theological education. It began in 1852 as a school established by Presbyterian minister Adrian Van Vliet to prepare German-speaking immigrants for ministry.

The institution later broadened beyond its original seminary purpose and adopted the University of Dubuque name. Its history remains visible in its Presbyterian affiliation and its theological seminary, which operates alongside undergraduate and graduate programs. For prospective students, that means the university's religious heritage is part of its identity, but its academic offerings extend well beyond theology.

What are the faculties and departments at University of Dubuque?

The University of Dubuque offers undergraduate, graduate, and theological education. Its academic offerings span liberal arts and sciences, professional fields, and ministry preparation rather than a single specialization.

Undergraduates can explore fields such as business, education, nursing, aviation, criminal justice, biology, psychology, and the performing arts. The university also has a theological seminary. Applicants should check the current academic catalog for the credential attached to a particular program: a major, teacher-licensure pathway, professional program, and graduate degree can have different entry requirements and course sequences.

Aviation and nursing merit particular planning. Flight training may involve requirements and expenses beyond ordinary classroom tuition, while clinical placements and licensure preparation can shape a nursing student's schedule. Students considering either field should compare the program's published requirements with the university-wide admissions and cost information.

What is the location of University of Dubuque?

The University of Dubuque is in Dubuque, Iowa, a city on the Mississippi River near the Illinois and Wisconsin borders. Its setting offers access to a regional city without placing students in a large metropolitan area.

Students living off campus should consider their transportation needs when comparing schedules, jobs, and housing. First-year students are permitted to register or park a car on campus, although parking rules and permit requirements should be checked separately. Dubuque Regional Airport is the nearby airport; students traveling long distances should compare actual flight availability and ground transportation before relying on it.

What is the mission and vision of University of Dubuque?

The University of Dubuque describes its educational purpose in terms of learning, career preparation, service, and leadership. It is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), an institutional connection reflected especially in its theological seminary.

That mission describes the university's stated priorities, not a measured outcome for every student. Applicants interested in how the affiliation affects their experience can examine the current curriculum, campus activities, and any program-specific expectations rather than assuming that all degrees have the same religious component.

University of Dubuque Profile - Basic Information

Name of the institution

University of Dubuque

Level of institution

Four or more years

Control of institution

Private

Setting type

City: Small

Institutional Category

Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or above

Institution size category

1,000 - 4,999

Religious affiliation

Protestant (Presbyterian Church of U.S.A.)

School type

University

Main student body

Coeducational

Calendar system

Semesters

Foundation year

1852

University of Dubuque Accreditation

University of Dubuque is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.

University of Dubuque Programs and Degrees

iconAssociate's degree
iconBachelor's degree
iconPostbaccalaureate certificate
iconMaster's degree
iconDoctor's degree - professional practice

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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