Clarke University
Clarke University has an acceptance rate of 71.8%, annual tuition of $40,910, average net price of $24,479, and a national rank of #908 (Grade B), with a 56.1% six-year graduation rate, about 742 undergraduates, and median earnings of $49,157 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Clarke University is a private nonprofit university in Dubuque, IA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 9:1 student-faculty ratio, and 67.3% first-year retention. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -49.8%, roughly 135.1 points below typical outcomes. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Clarke University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Clarke University graduates 56.1% of students within six years and keeps 67.3% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Clarke University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $40,910 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,514 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $11,734 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,728 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $55,782 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 36.7% of Clarke University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $23,405 to $24,784 depending on family income. Use Clarke University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,890/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $24,784/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $49,157
- 10-Year Median Earnings $49,157
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $19,500
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 74.9%
- Employment Rate 93.2%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Clarke University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Clarke University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Clarke University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Clarke University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Clarke University graduates earn $49,157 median, the -49.8% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 430-570
- SAT Math 470-590
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 742
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 67.3%
- Graduation Rate 56.1%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 9:1
How to Get Into Clarke University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Clarke University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 71.8%, Clarke University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 71.8% acceptance rate, Clarke University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 900 and 1160 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Clarke University undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Psychology, General, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 17.2%
- Psychology, General 14.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 12.4%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 11.2%
- Biology, General 6.5%
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions 6.5%
See more majors
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.9%
- Social Work 3.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $63,675
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $55,594
- 3. Psychology, General $45,991
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $42,204
- 5. Education, General $42,110
- 6. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $31,013
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degree) $110,127
- 2. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $78,717
- 3. Education, General (Master's Degree) $49,197
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Social Work (Master's Degree) $46,552
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $63,675—105% more than Health and Physical Education/Fitness ($31,013). Graduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing programs lead with $110,127 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Clarke University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 29 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Social Work (Master's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 19 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (First Professional Degree, 13 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (28 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Biology, General
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Social Work
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Philosophy
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Communication and Media Studies
- Chemistry
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Natural Resources Conservation and Research
- Music
- Mathematics
- Food Science and Technology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Accounting and Related Services
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General
- Computer Software and Media Applications
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Social Work
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (3 programs)â–¼
- Bioethics/Medical Ethics
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Education, General
Online First Professional Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 742
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 54.0%
- Female Students 46.0%
- Caucasian 52.2%
- Asian 1.8%
- Hispanic 11.7%
- Black 13.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients 36.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Clarke University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Clarke University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Clarke University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Clarke University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Clarke University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Clarke University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Clarke University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -49.8% ROI. Ranked #908 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,479 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $49,157 median earnings. With 56.1% graduating within six years and 67.3% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Clarke University's Positioning
With a B grade and #908 ranking, Clarke University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,479 annually, Clarke University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 67.3% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $17,135 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -49.8% ROI and $49,157 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,479+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Clarke University ranks #908 of 6101 institutions, with 1043 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 56.1% six-year graduation rate sits 6.4 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 67.3% first-year retention is 9.5 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -49.8% return on investment is 135.1 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $49,157 run about 13% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,479 is roughly $7,082 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 9:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 67.3% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.2% employment rate within three years sits 25.0 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,479 is about $7,082 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 36.7% trails the national share by 2.4 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Clarke University, a private nonprofit university in Dubuque, IA, secures a B grade in our latest review. It stands at #908 among 6101 schools Completion earns B-, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 67.3% of first-year students return, and roughly 56.1% finish within six years. The reported ROI is -49.8%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,479 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $55,782.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $31,303 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $19,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 36.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $49,157 six years after entry. Compared with the national median, that's 13% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 93.2% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -49.8% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
71.8% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Clarke University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clarke University's acceptance rate?
Clarke University's acceptance rate is 71.8%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Clarke University cost?
At Clarke University, listed tuition and fees are $40,910 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,479. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Clarke University's ranking?
Clarke University ranks #908 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Clarke University's graduation rate?
At Clarke University, the six-year graduation rate is 56.1%, and first-year retention is 67.3%.
What are Clarke University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Clarke University report median earnings of $49,157 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Clarke University's student population?
Clarke University enrolls about 742 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Dubuque, IA 52001-3198
- Website www.clarke.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$29.8M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate38.8%