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Loras College

Dubuque, IA

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Pro Deo Et Patria(For God And Country)

1839
Founded
Private college
Type
1,087
Total Students
1,169
Undergrad
66
Graduate
$38K
Tuition (In-State)
$38K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
92%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
6-year
83%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Michael Doyle

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Loras College

Loras College: Iowa's pioneering private Catholic institution, enriching lives since 1839.

Loras College stands as a beacon of education and faith in Dubuque, Iowa, proudly holding the title of the oldest post-secondary institution in the state. Established in 1839 by Bishop Mathias Loras, this private Catholic college has a rich and evolving history, marked by a commitment to academic excellence and spiritual development. From its origins as Saint Raphael's Seminary, it has grown and adapted, taking on several names before becoming Loras College in 1939.

Today, Loras College continues its legacy of providing a comprehensive education, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. With an intimate student body of 1,235, the college fosters a vibrant community where students can thrive academically and personally. Its urban campus, spanning 64 acres, offers a dynamic environment for learning and growth, while its historic district status on the National Register of Historic Places speaks to its enduring heritage.

Embracing its motto, "Pro Deo Et Patria" (For God And Country), Loras College is dedicated to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared to make a positive impact on the world. As one of only a few Catholic colleges in Iowa and the Archdiocese of Dubuque, it provides a unique educational experience rooted in faith, critical thinking, and community engagement under the leadership of President Michael Doyle.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1839, making it the oldest post-secondary institution in the state of Iowa.
  • A private Catholic college guided by the motto "Pro Deo Et Patria" (For God And Country).
  • Fosters a close-knit academic community with a student body of 1,235 (fall 2024).
  • Offers a comprehensive range of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
  • The Loras College Historic District was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
  • Located on a 64-acre urban campus in Dubuque, Iowa.

Timeline

1839
Founded as Saint Raphael's Seminary/Academy by Bishop Mathias Loras
1850
Renamed Mount St. Bernard's College and Seminary, moved to a rural campus
1855
Bishop Mathias Loras becomes president of the college
1873
Renamed St. Joseph's College
1914
Renamed Dubuque College
1920
Renamed Columbia College
1939
Renamed Loras College (current name)
2020
Loras College Historic District added to the National Register of Historic Places
🏛️
187 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Michael Doyle
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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