About Clarke University
Clarke University has built its reputation around small classes and Catholic values since 1843. With 782 students on a compact Dubuque campus, this university creates tight-knit learning communities where professors know every student's name. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention that larger universities can't match. Clarke attracts students who want the intimacy of a small college with the resources of a university.
The financial picture tells a complex story. While sticker price hits $51,760, most students pay far less through aid packages. The average net price drops to $20,068 after financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $55,396 ten years out, which helps justify the typical debt load of $26,717. The monthly loan payment of $283 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Nearly 72% of students take federal loans, but the university's 75% loan repayment rate suggests graduates can handle their obligations.
Athletics dominates campus life with 618 total athletes competing across 19 NAIA sports. That means nearly 80% of students participate in varsity athletics. The university awards over $11 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 67% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, Clarke builds strong campus loyalty despite its modest graduation rates.
The financial picture tells a complex story. While sticker price hits $51,760, most students pay far less through aid packages. The average net price drops to $20,068 after financial assistance. Graduates earn a median of $55,396 ten years out, which helps justify the typical debt load of $26,717. The monthly loan payment of $283 represents a manageable burden for most graduates. Nearly 72% of students take federal loans, but the university's 75% loan repayment rate suggests graduates can handle their obligations.
Athletics dominates campus life with 618 total athletes competing across 19 NAIA sports. That means nearly 80% of students participate in varsity athletics. The university awards over $11 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 67% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, Clarke builds strong campus loyalty despite its modest graduation rates.
Academics & Faculty
Clarke University operates as a small Catholic institution where nursing and physical therapy programs draw students from across the Midwest. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and provide hands-on mentoring in lab-intensive programs. Clarke's nursing school has built a strong reputation in the region, with clinical partnerships at local hospitals giving students direct patient care experience. The 56% four-year graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of these health science programs, where students often need additional time to complete extensive clinical requirements. Liberal arts majors benefit from the same personalized attention, though the university's identity centers on preparing healthcare professionals for rural and small-town practice.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 70.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 56.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.9%
- Retention Rate
- 67.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,396
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $92,277 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,101 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,210 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $47,846 |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,798 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,009 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,141 |
Campus Life
Clarke's 55-acre campus sits on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Dubuque, about three hours from Chicago and Minneapolis. You'll definitely need a winter coat for Iowa's cold snaps and snow. With housing capacity for 616 students and total enrollment of 782, roughly 79% of students can live on campus, creating a tight-knit residential community. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles.
Weekend life centers around the school's 19 varsity sports teams, with 618 total athletes making up nearly 79% of the student body. The Pride compete in NAIA athletics, and games draw solid campus crowds. Dubuque offers historic downtown districts, riverfront trails, and the National Mississippi River Museum. Many students explore the surrounding bluff country or take weekend trips to larger cities. As a Catholic institution founded in 1843, Clarke maintains chapel services and service-learning traditions, though the 53% white, 14% Black, and 12% Hispanic student mix creates a more diverse environment than many small Iowa colleges.
Weekend life centers around the school's 19 varsity sports teams, with 618 total athletes making up nearly 79% of the student body. The Pride compete in NAIA athletics, and games draw solid campus crowds. Dubuque offers historic downtown districts, riverfront trails, and the National Mississippi River Museum. Many students explore the surrounding bluff country or take weekend trips to larger cities. As a Catholic institution founded in 1843, Clarke maintains chapel services and service-learning traditions, though the 53% white, 14% Black, and 12% Hispanic student mix creates a more diverse environment than many small Iowa colleges.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 616 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1843
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–27°F
- July Avg
- 65°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 36.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -744.0"
Student Demographics
Clarke University draws students from across the Midwest, with nearly three-quarters coming from outside Iowa. The student body reflects the school's Catholic mission of serving diverse communities, with significant representation from Black and Hispanic students. More than one-third receive Pell Grants, showing Clarke's commitment to making education accessible. The slight male majority connects to strong programs in business and athletics. Students typically score around 1040 on the SAT, creating a supportive academic environment where motivated learners can thrive in small classes.
- Men
- 53.1%
- Women
- 46.9%
- White
- 53.6%
- Black
- 13.6%
- Hispanic
- 11.5%
- Asian
- 1.7%
- In-State Students
- 27.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.9%
Location
Clarke University sits in Dubuque, Iowa, a historic river city of about 58,000 people along the Mississippi River. The campus lies roughly 180 miles west of Chicago and 200 miles northeast of Des Moines. Dubuque blends small-town charm with cultural attractions like the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. The city's bluffs and riverfront create a scenic backdrop that feels more like a mid-sized college town than typical Iowa farmland. With 27.40% of students coming from Iowa, the university draws heavily from across the Midwest. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Clarke University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Dubuque, Iowa 52001-3198
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $55,396
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,237
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 74.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $283/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,717
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Clarke University?
Clarke University accepts 84.8% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1040. This Catholic university in Dubuque makes admission accessible while maintaining academic standards for its 782 students.
How much does Clarke University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Clarke University is $20,068, lower than the sticker price of $39,600. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, and the school provides substantial need-based aid to make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Clarke University?
Clarke University maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in small classes. The university emphasizes close mentorship and hands-on learning in its Catholic educational tradition.
What are the graduation outcomes at Clarke University?
Clarke University has a 55% six-year graduation rate, with graduates earning a median salary of $55,396 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 99.5%, reflecting strong career preparation and alumni networks.
Where do Clarke University students live on campus?
Clarke University houses 616 students in campus residence halls, with room and board costing $11,000 annually. The small-city setting of Dubuque provides a close-knit community atmosphere for the predominantly residential campus.
Does Clarke University have strong athletic programs?
Clarke University competes in NAIA athletics with 19 varsity sports and 618 total athletes. The Pride teams benefit from over $11 million in athletic scholarships, making sports participation accessible across multiple programs.
