Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Dubuque, Iowa
86.9% Acceptance Rate
University of Dubuque — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
86.9%Acceptance Rate
3.24Avg GPA
1119Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$51,060Annual Cost
$51,190Grad Salary
40.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
86.9%
Avg GPA
3.24
Avg SAT
1119
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Inclusive
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
950–1160
ACT Middle 50%
19–25
Need-Based Aid
40.4% receive Pell
University of Dubuque is a private, Presbyterian-affiliated institution in Iowa known for its dedication to professional excellence and student success. Admissions are holistic, evaluating academic potential alongside personal character and leadership qualities. Prospective students are encouraged to demonstrate how they intend to balance their academic pursuits with the university's active campus life, professional mentorships, and service-oriented initiatives.
University of Dubuque Acceptance Rate
Admission at University of Dubuque is inclusive by design: 86.9% of applicants who meet basic eligibility are accepted.
What to Expect
- Eligibility First: A high school diploma or GED typically clears the main bar.
- Plan Ahead for Placement: Placement tests can shape which courses you start in — worth preparing for.
Selectivity at a Glance
Inclusive
Selectivity scale: Inclusive — 86.9% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.79
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
University of Dubuque Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
University of Dubuque follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
University of Dubuque reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
University of Dubuque GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at University of Dubuque is 3.24. That makes admissions here competitive, but not extremely selective. Most admitted students carry a mix of A's and B's.
In the 2.94–3.24 range, a high SAT or ACT score still carries real weight.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 3.44–3.64.University of Dubuque GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Admission here leans heavily on holistic review.
Recommended Strategy: Leans on context — leadership, personal circumstances, or a standout talent.
This range is a rough map — where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.24 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.04 – 3.23
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.84 – 3.03
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.83
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Aviation program (management and flight operations) holds specialized accreditation from the Council on Aviation Accreditation and has ranked among the top 50 aviation programs nationally, best in Iowa.
- The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS), a PC(USA) seminary, is co-located directly with the undergraduate university.
- Reported admitted SAT/ACT ranges run roughly 850-1100/16-22, reflecting a fairly broad, accessible admissions band.
- Approximately 1,600-2,200 undergraduates with an average class size of 16.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself — a 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average — the trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at University of Dubuque
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from University of Dubuque's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
University of Dubuque Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at University of Dubuque — landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into University of Dubuque Without SAT or ACT?
University of Dubuque considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt — most applicants test 2–3 times.
University of Dubuque Average SAT Score: 1119
Admitted students at University of Dubuque average a 1119 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1119 — Less Competitive
A 1119 average leaves meaningful room above it for a competitive application.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1160 SAT or 25 ACT) to stand out. Below average? University of Dubuque allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 950? A retake is worth it at University of Dubuque — two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 530 | 480 | 580 |
| SAT Reading | 525 | 470 | 580 |
| SAT Composite | 1119 | 950 | 1160 |
A score under 950 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1160+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1100
Can I get into University of Dubuque with a 1150 SAT?
At 1150, your SAT is squarely in University of Dubuque's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file — GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
University of Dubuque ACT Requirements
University of Dubuque's admitted students average an ACT of 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
An average of 22 tracks near the middle of the national distribution.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 18 | 24 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 19 | 25 |
Can I get into University of Dubuque with a 25 ACT?
At 25, you're in the top quarter of University of Dubuque's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections — English, Math, Reading, Science — are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, University of Dubuque weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily — the ACT opens the door, the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for University of Dubuque
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
University of Dubuque takes a broad view of applicants. Your energy is best spent proving readiness for coursework and maximizing your financial aid package.
Leverage the Council on Aviation Accreditation Status
Dubuque's aviation department (aviation management and flight operations) holds specialized accreditation from the Council on Aviation Accreditation and has ranked among the top 50 aviation programs nationally, best in Iowa. Ask specifically about flight training partnerships, aircraft fleet access, and job placement pipelines - a genuine credibility marker distinct from general regional accreditation.
Use the Embedded UDTS Seminary for Undergraduate Access to Ministry Preparation
The University of Dubuque Theological Seminary (UDTS), a PC(USA) seminary, is co-located directly with the undergraduate university. Undergraduate Theology majors get unusual proximity to graduate-level ministry preparation, faculty, and community - ask specifically about undergraduate-to-seminary bridge opportunities.
Don't Assume Uncompetitiveness Within the Admitted Test Range
Reported admitted SAT/ACT ranges run roughly 850-1100/16-22, a fairly broad and accessible band. Students within or below this range should still submit complete transcripts and relevant extracurricular/leadership materials to strengthen merit scholarship consideration.
Ask About Small-Class Faculty Access for Major-Specific Mentorship
With roughly 1,600-2,200 undergraduates and an average class size of 16, ask the target department specifically about faculty accessibility and undergraduate research opportunities - Dubuque's small scale is a defining feature across all majors, not just flagship programs like aviation.
Expert Insight:
Because University of Dubuque's brand spans both a Presbyterian seminary and a nationally accredited aviation program, confirm which specific academic community (seminary-adjacent theology, aviation, or general liberal arts) matches the intended major, since the campus culture and resources differ meaningfully depending on the specific program.
University of Dubuque Profile
Full Name
University of Dubuque
City
Dubuque
State
Iowa
ZIP Code
52001
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a University of Dubuque Degree Worth It?
At $51,060/year against a $51,190 median graduate salary, University of Dubuque is worth weighing against your specific program and financial situation — the numbers below give you a real basis for that decision.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $58,900, and graduates see a 3.3% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from University of Dubuque Cost?
Listed tuition runs $51,060/year at University of Dubuque; factor in Pell and federal grant aid and most students land typically much lower.
At University of Dubuque, 40.4% receive a Pell Grant and 70.2% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming University of Dubuque on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a University of Dubuque Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, University of Dubuque graduates report a median income of $51,190, about 26% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than University of Dubuque. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Troy University | Troy, AL | 1086 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
| University of the Ozarks | Clarksville, AR | 1088 | 21 |
| Pacific Union College | Angwin, CA | 1093 | 22 |
| Fort Lewis College | Durango, CO | 1084 | 20 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
| University of Northern Colorado | Greeley, CO | 1077 | 22 |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 1091 | 24 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as University of Dubuque. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 1119 | 22 |
| University of Central Arkansas | Conway, AR | 1117 | 22 |
| University of La Verne | La Verne, CA | 1116 | 22 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than University of Dubuque. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham-Southern College | Birmingham, AL | 1197 | 24 |
| University of Arkansas | Fayetteville, AR | 1174 | 25 |
| Harding University | Searcy, AR | 1187 | 25 |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa, CA | 1155 | 22 |
| Dominican University of California | San Rafael, CA | 1194 | 26 |
Degree Programs at University of Dubuque
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About University of Dubuque Admissions
University of Dubuque graduates earn a moderate median salary of $51,190/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at University of Dubuque runs high — roughly $51,060+/year — so financial aid planning matters.
40.4% of University of Dubuque students get a Pell Grant. Your odds depend mostly on household income — filing FAFSA early still helps maximize what you're offered.
University of Dubuque's acceptance rate is 86.9%, comparatively higher than most selective universities — admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted University of Dubuque students is 3.24, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 2.94 puts you in the standard applicant pool at University of Dubuque. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 2.84 or below makes admission tougher at University of Dubuque, but strong test scores, activities, and essays — plus AP/IB coursework — can still keep you in contention.
University of Dubuque weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1119, and within the 950–1160 range, keeps you competitive.
University of Dubuque follows Rolling Admissions — applications are reviewed year-round, so applying early is your best strategy.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before December 1, 2026 — that's University of Dubuque's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out — plus a solid test score where the school considers one.