At $20,068/yr net price, Clarke University graduates earn $55,396/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,396/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,068 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,272 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,396/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,396/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 54.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,717 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,570/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,640/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $22,569/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,435/yr |
| $110,001+ | $10,870/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $92,277 | $57,264 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $67,101 | $80,066 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $57,210 | $26,990 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $47,846 | |
| Education, General. | Master | $43,798 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $39,009 | $27,000 |
| Education, General. | Bachelor | $35,060 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $29,141 | $26,000 |
The Risk Factor
54.9% of students at Clarke University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Clarke University delivers mixed financial returns, with your career prospects heavily dependent on your major choice. The nursing program stands out as the clear winner, producing graduates who earn $92,277 annually despite carrying $57,264 in debt. This translates to strong earning power in Iowa's healthcare market, where registered nurses command competitive salaries.
Your financial outlook dims considerably outside healthcare fields. Business administration graduates earn just $47,846, creating a challenging debt-to-income ratio given typical borrowing levels. The computer science program shows promise at $57,318 in median earnings, though limited enrollment data makes this less reliable for planning purposes.
Clarke's 55% graduation rate presents a significant financial risk. With only about half of students completing their degrees, you face substantial odds of accumulating debt without the credential needed to justify the investment. The 67% retention rate suggests many students recognize early that the school may not deliver expected value.
You should consider Clarke if you plan to pursue nursing and can handle the program's academic demands. The school's healthcare connections in the Dubuque area provide solid job placement opportunities for nursing graduates. However, you should look elsewhere if you're interested in business, liberal arts, or other non-healthcare fields where the earning potential doesn't justify the costs.
Financial aid reaches only 36% of students, limiting your options for reducing the $20,068 annual net price. Merit scholarships exist but aren't widely distributed. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree quickly and choosing nursing if you can handle the coursework demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clarke University worth the cost?
Clarke University's value depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $92,277 annually, making the $26,717 median debt manageable, but business majors earn just $47,846, creating a tougher financial picture.
What is Clarke University's return on investment for graduates?
Clarke University graduates earn $55,396 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates. The school's 55% graduation rate means nearly half of students don't complete their degrees, making the investment risky.
How much debt do Clarke University students typically graduate with?
Clarke University graduates carry a median debt of $26,717. This debt load is reasonable for nursing majors who earn over $90,000, but creates financial strain for graduates in lower-paying fields like business.
Which Clarke University programs offer the best job prospects?
Nursing and rehabilitation programs at Clarke University provide the strongest career outcomes, with nursing graduates earning up to $92,277 annually. Computer science graduates earn $57,318, while business graduates lag at $47,846.