About Saint Ambrose University
The financial picture looks reasonable for a private Catholic school. Students pay an average net price of $22,750 after aid, well below the $35,598 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,531 ten years out, which helps explain why most handle the typical $25,000 debt load with monthly payments around $265. The 68.05% loan repayment rate suggests graduates find steady work in their fields.
Athletics define much of campus life here. With 1,014 athletes across 28 varsity sports, nearly half the student body competes for the Fighting Bees. The school awards over $4.4 million in athletic scholarships, making sports a real pathway to affordability. Most students come from outside Iowa (69.29%), creating a regional Midwest community rather than a purely local commuter feel.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 63.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 62.8%
- Retention Rate
- 83.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,531
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $78,657 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $69,338 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $66,287 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,377 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $53,358 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $49,019 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $48,432 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
Campus Life
The Fighting Bees compete in 28 varsity sports with 1,014 total athletes, making nearly half the 2,101 students involved in athletics. This creates a sports-focused culture where games draw big crowds. The Catholic identity shapes campus life through service opportunities and campus ministry programs. Students often head to nearby Rock Island or cross the river to Illinois for entertainment, though downtown Davenport offers restaurants and minor league baseball. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the small size (about the same as a large high school) creates tight friendships. Weekend activities center around athletic events, campus traditions, and trips to nearby cities like Chicago, which sits about 2.5 hours east.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,601 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
50 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 18 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–31°F
- July Avg
- 67°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 44.7%
- Women
- 55.4%
- White
- 68.9%
- Black
- 6.8%
- Hispanic
- 10.8%
- Asian
- 2.0%
- In-State Students
- 30.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 27.9%
Location
- Address
- Davenport, Iowa 52803-2898
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,531
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,455
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 68.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $265/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Ambrose University?
Saint Ambrose University accepts 73.92% of applicants, making it accessible to most students with solid high school records. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1020 and 1240 on the SAT. This Catholic institution in Davenport values character and service alongside academic achievement.
How much does Saint Ambrose University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $22,750 annually after aid, less than the sticker price of $49,266. Families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $20,300 per year. The school provides substantial institutional grants averaging $25,476 to help make education affordable.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Saint Ambrose University?
Saint Ambrose maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in classrooms. With just 2,101 students total, professors know their students by name. The university emphasizes close mentoring relationships that support both academic and personal growth.
What are the job prospects for Saint Ambrose University graduates?
Graduates achieve a 97.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong career preparation across programs. Ten years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $59,531. The university's career services and alumni network in the Quad Cities region help students transition successfully into their chosen fields.
Where do Saint Ambrose University students live on campus?
The university houses 1,601 students in residence halls and apartments, creating a close-knit campus community. With 83.62% of students returning each year, the residential experience builds lasting friendships. Room and board costs $12,348 annually for the full campus living experience.
Does Saint Ambrose University have strong athletics programs?
The Fighting Bees compete in 28 varsity sports with over 1,000 student-athletes participating. The university invests $4.4 million in athletic scholarships, supporting nearly half of all enrolled students. Athletics creates school spirit while teaching teamwork and leadership skills valued by the Catholic institution.
