Central College vs. Clarke University

Comparable Facts

Compare Central College in Pella, IA with Clarke University in Dubuque, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central College is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (1,084 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central College is located in Pella, IA (Distant Town setting); Clarke University is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Central College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central College 11:1; Clarke University 9:1.

Central College vs. Clarke University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Central College or Clarke University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central College than Clarke University ($23,848 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 2.7% lower than at Central College ($11,734 vs. $12,060).
• Clarke University is 94.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Central College (about $19,922 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 94.9% higher at Clarke University than at Central College (about $19,922 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $20,988.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Central College as at Clarke University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 107.4% larger than aid received by Central College students ($28,884 vs. $13,925).

Central College vs. Clarke University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Central College or Clarke University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Clarke University and Central College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central College (1090) is 60 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Central College students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 1056/1120; Clarke University 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central College 20/26; Clarke University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Central College - Test optional; Clarke University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Central College students have a 0.16 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Central College has a higher acceptance rate (86.2%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21% at Central College vs. 5.5% at Clarke University.

Central College vs. Clarke University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Central College and Clarke University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Clarke University's (60%).
• Graduates from Central College earn a median of about $5,200 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,000 vs. $42,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarke University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Central College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Clarke University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Central College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Central College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarke University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 74%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.