About

About Clarke University

catholic liberal artssmall class sizeshealth sciences focusdoctoral programs offeredhigh acceptance rate

Clarke University is a private university in Dubuque, IA, known for its catholic liberal arts, small class sizes, and health sciences focus. With an acceptance rate of 85%, Clarke is accessible for most qualified applicants, typically enrolling around 193 students each year. Clarke is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 920–1160, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Clarke offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $24,047 per year; the sticker price of $52,241 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Clarke University acceptance rate and admitted student profile

accessible for most qualified applicants

85%
Overall Accept Rate
1040
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 920 – 1160 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Clarke University

Essay Strategy
Clarke is a Dominican university with a clear focus on values like truth, justice, and service, so if your essays or activities reflect community service, social justice, or ethical leadership, name those connections explicitly rather than leaving admissions to figure it out.
Demonstrated Interest
Clarke is a small school in Dubuque and genuinely pays attention to students who show up, so scheduling a campus visit or attending one of their open house events can make a real difference in how your application is received.

Financial Aid & Cost

What Clarke University actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceAvg. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$52k/yr$23.4k
30k-48k~$52k/yr$22.5k
48k-75k~$52k/yr$22.6k
75k-110k~$52k/yr$27.9k
110k+~$52k/yr$24.8k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

55%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$49k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
8:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
657
Undergrad Enrollment

Student Body

Student body composition

Race & Ethnicity

52%White
13%Black / African American
12%Hispanic
11%International
5%Unknown / Unreported
4%Two or More Races
2%Asian
1%American Indian / AK Native
0%Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander
Gender54% Men · 46% Women
Citizenship / Immigration Status89% Citizens and Immigrants · 11% International
Clarke, Dubuque Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch