Presbyterian liberal arts university in Iowa with strong aviation, business, and theological programs.
The University of Dubuque comprises a Theological Seminary and three schools: Business, Liberal Arts, and Professional Programs. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Council on Aviation Accreditation, and Association of Theological Schools. Recent initiatives include engineering program approval and development of the Chlapaty Center for Innovation, an interdisciplinary hub for health sciences, aviation, business, computer science, and design. The university is pursuing accreditation for a four-year Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
The 77-acre urban campus sits on University Avenue in west Dubuque and is served by The Jule transit system and intercity bus lines. Student housing includes traditional residence halls and Park Village apartments for upperclassmen. The Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center, Charles C. Myers Library, and the Wendt Center for Character Education support student development. The university emphasizes ethical character development and offers extensive student involvement opportunities through clubs, sports, and campus ministry.
The Spartans compete in NCAA Division III as members of the American Rivers Conference. Men's sports include football, baseball, basketball, cross-country, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track, and wrestling. Women compete in basketball, cross-country, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, track, tennis, and volleyball. The university operates McCormick Gymnasium (with Stoltz Sports Center expansion), indoor swimming pool, and racquetball courts. Club sports include ice hockey and bass fishing.
The university offers multiple application pathways: First-Year, Transfer, LIFE (adult accelerated), Graduate, MBA, and Theological Seminary. The Tuition Pledge covers 100% of tuition for eligible Iowa students; 68% of the student body comes from outside Iowa. 99% of undergraduate students receive financial aid. The university emphasizes affordability and has a transfer pathway for Iowa community college graduates.
Founded in 1852 by Adrian Van Vliet to train ministers for German immigrant communities, the institution evolved from a theological seminary into a comprehensive liberal arts university. It became coeducational in 1911 and adopted its current name in 1920 after a legal dispute with Loras College. The university maintains Presbyterian affiliation and a $370.9 million endowment (2025). Notable alumni include actor Tony Danza, track star Sol Butler, and Tlingit scholar Walter Soboleff.