Economics at University of Dubuque

The University of Dubuque's economics program operates in Iowa's competitive landscape for this major, where similar programs suggest first-year earnings around $49,300—just below the national median of $51,700. With an estimated debt load of $24,100, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49 falls within reasonable territory, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary. For context, Iowa State's economics graduates earn significantly more at $57,600, while other in-state options cluster around this program's estimated range.

The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates—both earnings and debt figures are derived from peer programs because this specific cohort was too small to report. That means parents are essentially betting on whether Dubuque's outcomes will mirror state averages rather than evaluating its actual track record. The school's 87% admission rate and modest test scores suggest it serves a different student population than Iowa State or Grinnell, which could affect how well these estimates translate to reality.

If your child is considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest workable debt if earnings materialize as projected. But the absence of actual data means you're flying blind on what Dubuque specifically delivers. Push the school directly for graduate outcomes—job placement rates, employer connections, internship pipelines—to determine whether it can match the state average it's being measured against.