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Grand View University vs University of Dubuque: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Des Moines IA · vs · Private nonprofit, Dubuque IA

The verdict

Grand View University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $87,096 in 19.5 years versus 33.1 years at University of Dubuque, on median earnings of $52,824 vs $51,190 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureGrand View UniversityUniversity of Dubuque
Net price / yr$21,774$23,386
Total net cost$87,096$93,544
Median earnings, 10 yrs$52,824$51,190
Median debt$22,500$25,750
Payback19.5 yrs33.1 yrs
20-year net return$2,184-$36,944

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Grand View University or University of Dubuque?

Grand View University, at $21,774 a year after aid versus $23,386 — a gap of $1,612 a year, or $6,448 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Grand View University or University of Dubuque graduates earn more?

Grand View University graduates report a median $52,824 ten years after entry, $1,634 more than the $51,190 at University of Dubuque. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Grand View University or University of Dubuque?

Grand View University: its completers carry a median $22,500 in federal loans versus $25,750 at University of Dubuque, a difference of $3,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at Grand View University, against 40% at University of Dubuque. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Grand View University vs University of Dubuque: frequently asked questions

Is Grand View University or University of Dubuque a better value?
Grand View University. It clears its $87,096 net cost in about 19.5 years versus 33.1 years at University of Dubuque, on median earnings of $52,824 vs $51,190 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Grand View University or University of Dubuque?
Grand View University: $21,774/yr net price after aid versus $23,386/yr at University of Dubuque — a difference of $1,612 a year, or about $6,448 over four years.
Do Grand View University or University of Dubuque graduates earn more?
Grand View University graduates earn a median $52,824 ten years after entry, versus $51,190 at University of Dubuque — a $1,634 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.