College Costs in Dubuque, IA 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Dubuque, Iowa. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$525
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Dubuque Overview
Population
59,667
Student Population
4,699 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
85.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Dubuque
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,540
Total After Financial Aid
$87,540
Annual Cost
$21,885
Annual After Aid
$21,885
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,540 |
| Monthly Payment | $994 |
| Total Interest | $31,740 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,280 |
Universities in Dubuque
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Dubuque State University | Public | $9,396 |
| Dubuque Community College | Community | $5,281 |
Dubuque has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Dubuque vs. National Average
| Category | Dubuque | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,600 | $10,940 | -$1,340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $525 | $1,050 | -$525 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.5 | 100 | -14.5 |
Dubuque's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Dubuque
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,699 students
Dubuque has a total population of 59,667, with approximately 4,699 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Dubuque offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Dubuque
$29,971
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
60%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Dubuque earn a median starting salary of $29,971, which is -$5,029 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,540 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,818 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Iowa
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