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Clarke University

#9 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
  • 4 Year
  • Dubuque, IA
  • 315 reviews
    How to Apply
    B-
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      B-
    2. Value
      A-
    3. Diversity
      B
    4. Campus
      B
    5. Athletics
      B-
    6. Party Scene
      B
    7. Professors
      C
    8. Location
      B
    9. Dorms
      A-
    10. Campus Food
      B
    11. Student Life
      B
    12. Safety
      B+
    View Full Report Card
    Clarke is a private, Catholic university located in Dubuque, Iowa. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 708 undergraduate students. Admissions is somewhat competitive as the Clarke acceptance rate is 63%. Popular majors include Nursing, Psychology, and Business. Graduating 63% of students, Clarke alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $37,200.
    About Clarke University...
    Athletic Division
    NAIA Division I
    Athletic Conference
    Heart of America Athletic Conference
    Address
    1550 Clarke Dr
    Dubuque, IA 52001
    Website
    clarke.edu

    Clarke University Rankings

    Niche rankings are based on rigorous analysis of key statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews.

    Admissions

    Acceptance Rate
    63%
    Application Deadline
    Rolling Admissions
    SAT Range
    970-1150
    ACT Range
    20-25
    Application Fee
    $25
    SAT/ACT
    Required
    High School GPA
    Required
    Early Decision/Early Action
    —

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    Cost

    Net Price
    $26,909/ year
    National
    $15,523
    Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.
    Average Total Aid Awarded
    $17,474/ year
    National
    $7,535
    Students Receiving Financial Aid
    100%

    Academics

    Professors
    C
    Based on faculty accomplishments, salary, student reviews, and additional factors.
    Student Faculty Ratio
    8:1
    Evening Degree Programs
    Yes
    73%
    of students agree that professors put a lot of effort into teaching their classes.15 responses
    65%
    of students agree that it is easy to get the classes they want.17 responses
    59%
    of students agree that the workload is easy to manage.17 responses

    Majors

    Most Popular Majors
    • Nursing
      45 Graduates
    • Psychology
      32 Graduates
    • Business
      21 Graduates
    • Elementary Education
      19 Graduates
    • Information Science
      9 Graduates
    • Social Work and Youth Services
      9 Graduates
    • Athletic Training
      8 Graduates
    • Biology
      8 Graduates
    • Sport and Fitness Management
      7 Graduates
    • Accounting
      5 Graduates

    Students

    Full-Time Enrollment
    708Undergrads
    Part-Time Undergrads
    60
    Undergrads Over 25
    5%
    Pell Grant
    36%
    Varsity Athletes
    51%
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes the typical student at this school?
    Based on 15 responses
    Report
    • Athlete. For the most part everyone is in a sport.
      47%
    • Different.
      20%
    • Smart
      13%
    • Outgoing
      7%
    • Overworked
      7%
    • Privileged
      7%

    Campus Life

    Freshmen Live On-Campus
    94%
    Poll
    92%
    of students say they don't have Greek life.24 responses
    Poll
    50%
    of students say varsity sports are a big part of campus life.28 responses
    Poll
    What one word or phrase best describes your school?
    Based on 16 responses
    Report
    • Expensive.
      31%
    • Small
      25%
    • Family friendly with warm open arms
      13%
    • Guiding
      13%
    • Chaos
      6%
    • Home away from home
      6%
    • Outdoor oriented
      6%

    After College

    Median Earnings 6 Years After Graduation
    $41,300/ year
    National
    $33,028
    Graduation Rate
    63%
    National
    49%
    Employed 2 Years After Graduation
    95%
    National
    83%
    77%
    of students feel confident they will find a job in their field after graduation.13 responses
    Colleges like Clarke University
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    Clarke University Reviews

    315 reviews
    All Categories
    My only experience that I have had with Clarke is through tours and a nursing assimilation. I truly enjoyed it and all of the staff were very kind to me and the other groups of people. I love how open it was and how it is easy to get from place to place. What I learned was that since it is a smaller private college, that you are closer to your staff and are able to call them by their first names. Also, you aren't referred to as a number, but the staff actually knows your name. The college seems very friendly. I enjoyed the tours, and that is why that is the top option for colleges on my list.
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    I really loved the location of the college. it is located in Dubuque near the bluffs and a river, and is also about 5 minutes away from downtown. The campus itself is very old, but is newly renovated which gives it that antique feel. It used to be an all women college, but has recently been opened up to men. The architecture of the buildings is spectacular, and even more impressive, the school has underground tunnels! I'm going for nursing, and the program guarantees you're out in four years with a degree which is extremely satisfying. There are also a lot of hospitals near the campus which makes it super easy to complete my clinicals. The only problem I have with the overall atmosphere is that it is still a blossoming campus, so it is quite small. I'm from a small town so I'm familiar with the small-town feel, but it would be nice to be apart of a campus with more students at some point in the future.
    As a parent of a freshman, it's still too early to share details but I can say that the times I have visited campus I have ALWAYS felt welcome. The admissions process was great and the professors that I met were equally enthusiastic about their areas of study. I have consistently felt comfortable and safe on campus! If you are looking for a small campus this is the place!