Ranking Overview

The University of Dubuque is benchmarked primarily as a Regional University in the Midwest in U.S. News & World Report, with additional recognition for value and veteran support. Rankings capture breadth, not the strength of every niche programme.

Current Ranking Snapshot

Ranking body	Latest available position
U.S. News & World Report 2026	Regional Universities Midwest, #78 (tie)
U.S. News & World Report 2026	Best Value Schools, #45
U.S. News & World Report 2026	Best Colleges for Veterans, #42
U.S. News data profile	Undergraduate enrollment about 1,417 (fall 2024)
U.S. News data profile	Student-faculty ratio about 11:1

What The Rankings Mean

UD’s profile is typical of a teaching-focused private regional university: strong student contact, professional programmes tied to regional employers and moderate selectivity. The value and veterans placements signal that net price and military-friendly services are competitive versus peers.

Students comparing UD to flagship public universities should expect different scale and research volume—but often more personalised advising.

Recognition And Quality Signals

Beyond composite ranks, UD highlights:

• Aviation Accreditation Board International recognition for aviation programmes (confirm year on official pages)
• CCNE accreditation for nursing and ARC-PA for physician assistant studies at the graduate level
• ATS accreditation for seminary degrees

Always read programme-specific accreditation, not only the institutional badge.

Ranking Advice For September 2026 Applicants

Students applying for the September 2026 intake should compare UD using:

• Net tuition after merit aid
• Strength of the specific major (especially aviation simulators, clinical seats or seminary fit)
• Internship placement geography in the Upper Midwest
• Campus culture and spiritual-life expectations

If you want a values-based private university with professional depth and strong veteran/value signals, UD belongs on the shortlist.