Higher Education 

Known for its superior literacy rates and high graduation performance, Iowa consistently ranks in the top five states in the nation on standardized achievement tests such as ACT and SAT. Area colleges, universities, and technical schools provide diverse fields of study and expertise to the area's nearly 18,000 college students.

Colleges and Universities

Greater Dubuque is home to four colleges and universities. The contribution these educational institutions make to our community goes far beyond the obvious. They bring culture and diversity, connecting hundreds of bright, talented graduates with area employers every year. They also serve the educational needs to area adults and businesses through corporate training programs, adult degree programs, graduate degree programs, and non-traditional course delivery.

Clarke University
Clarke University is a Catholic coeducational liberal arts college founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubuque, Iowa. Clarke educates students at the postsecondary level in the liberal arts and sciences, the fine arts, selected professional programs, and graduate programs.

Loras College
Loras College is a premier Catholic liberal arts institution, educating principled thinkers, dedicated to the total development of the student. Small enough to be personal, large enough to offer a wide variety of quality academic programs, Loras College strives to develop active learners, reflective thinkers, ethical decision makers and responsible contributors in their diverse professional, social, and religious roles.

University of Dubuque
The University of Dubuque is a small, private university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA) offering undergraduate, graduate, and theological seminary programs. The University is comprised of individuals from the region, the nation, and the world.

University of Wisconsin-Platteville
The University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UWP) is one of 13 publicly supported comprehensive universities in the University of Wisconsin system. Founded in 1866, UWP is the oldest public institution in Wisconsin and is considered one of the safest campuses in the nation. Areas of study include the Colleges of Business, Industry, Life Science, and Agriculture; Engineering, Mathematics, and Science; and Liberal Arts and Education.

Community Colleges and Technical Schools

The community colleges and technical schools in the Greater Dubuque area offer specialized degrees and training, apprenticeships, and continuing education courses, as well as core requirement and basic education. The possibilities are endless.

Northeast Iowa Community College
Northeast Iowa Community College, located in Peosta, Iowa and downtown Dubuque, became a community college in 1988 and is authorized by the Iowa Board of Education to award the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as diplomas. In addition to these credit programs, NICC provides continuing education throughout the district and assists with a variety of economic development activities.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Established in 1967, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College offers many educational opportunities to students and businesses in the tri-state area. Career programs include 45 different Associate Degree/Technical Diplomas and Professional Certifications. General education and alternative delivery courses are offered for many programs including Basic Skills/GED/HSED, Computer Based Training (CBT), Culinary Management, Emergency Medical Service (EMS), Business Software and more. Apprenticeship programs include Construction or Industrial Electrician, Maintenance Mechanic/Millwright, and Plumbing. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is anxious to work with business and industry for customized training programs, workshops, or seminars designed to implement job-specific training programs.

Seminaries and Bible Colleges

The first seminaries in the Greater Dubuque area were established as early as 1852 by German theologians. Through the years, Dubuque has continued to attract religious thinkers and now, nearly 150 years later, it stands as a unique center of theological study.

Divine Word College
Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa, is a Roman Catholic College Seminary training future Brothers and priests to become missionaries. It is owned and operated by the Society of the Divine Word. Enrollment at the College Seminary is approximately 100. All of the students are seriously considering a vocation to the missionary congregation of priests and Brothers. The college has two bachelor's degrees: Philosophy and Cross-Cultural Studies.

Emmaus Bible College
Emmaus Bible College, located in Dubuque, enjoys accreditation in the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges. This college has seven major departments, each offering concentration or a double major: the Departments of Bible and Theology, Bible Languages, Missions, Christian Education, Elementary Education, Computer Science and Youth Ministries.

Wartburg Theological Seminary
Wartburg Theological Seminary, also in Dubuque, is one of eight theological schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and educates men and women to serve the church's mission as ordained and lay leaders. Degree programs at Wartburg include the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology, Development, and Evangelism, The Master of Arts with an option for Concentration in Youth, Culture, and Mission, Master of Arts in Theology, Development, and Evangelism, and the Master of Sacred Theology. Other programs include Continuing Education, the Center for Theology & Land, The Center for Youth Ministries, and the Center for Global Theologies.