Head-to-head comparison
University of Dubuque vs Buena Vista University: which has better ROI?
Option A Dubuque, IA
University of Dubuque
- Net price / year
- $23,386
- Earnings, 10 years
- $51,190
- Payback
- 33.1 yrs
Option B Storm Lake, IA
Buena Vista University
- Net price / year
- $18,846
- Earnings, 10 years
- $49,156
- Payback
- 94.7 yrs
University of Dubuque has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $93,544 in 33.1 years versus 94.7 years at Buena Vista University, on median earnings of $51,190 vs $49,156 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Dubuque | Buena Vista University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,386 | $18,846 |
| Total net cost | $93,544 | $75,384 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,190 | $49,156 |
| Median debt | $25,750 | $25,000 |
| Payback | 33.1 yrs | 94.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$36,944 | -$59,464 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, University of Dubuque or Buena Vista University?
Buena Vista University, at $18,846 a year after aid versus $23,386 — a gap of $4,540 a year, or $18,160 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
The short answer
Do University of Dubuque or Buena Vista University graduates earn more?
University of Dubuque graduates report a median $51,190 ten years after entry, $2,034 more than the $49,156 at Buena Vista University. 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.
The short answer
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Dubuque or Buena Vista University?
Buena Vista University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $25,750 at University of Dubuque, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
The short answer
Which graduates more of its students?
62% of students finish at Buena Vista 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.