Head-to-head comparison
Waldorf University vs University of Dubuque: which has better ROI?
Option A Forest City, IA
Waldorf University
- Net price / year
- $19,693
- Earnings, 10 years
- $51,165
- Payback
- 28.1 yrs
Option B Dubuque, IA
University of Dubuque
- Net price / year
- $23,386
- Earnings, 10 years
- $51,190
- Payback
- 33.1 yrs
Waldorf University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $78,772 in 28.1 years versus 33.1 years at University of Dubuque, on median earnings of $51,165 vs $51,190 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Waldorf University | University of Dubuque |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $19,693 | $23,386 |
| Total net cost | $78,772 | $93,544 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,165 | $51,190 |
| Median debt | $18,752 | $25,750 |
| Payback | 28.1 yrs | 33.1 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$22,672 | -$36,944 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Waldorf University or University of Dubuque?
Waldorf University, at $19,693 a year after aid versus $23,386 — a gap of $3,693 a year, or $14,772 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 Waldorf University or University of Dubuque graduates earn more?
University of Dubuque graduates report a median $51,190 ten years after entry, $25 more than the $51,165 at Waldorf 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, Waldorf University or University of Dubuque?
Waldorf University: its completers carry a median $18,752 in federal loans versus $25,750 at University of Dubuque, a difference of $6,998. 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?
40% of students finish at University of Dubuque, against 21% at Waldorf University. 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.