Clarke University vs. BLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Clarke University is larger than BLC based on total student enrollment (962 students vs. 899 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarke University is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Bethany Lutheran College is in Mankato, MN (Remote Town setting).
• Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bethany Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarke University 9:1; Bethany Lutheran College 12:1.

Clarke University vs. BLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or BLC? 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 Bethany Lutheran College than Clarke University ($21,127 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bethany Lutheran College are 26.5% lower than at Clarke University ($8,620 vs. $11,734).
• Clarke University is 30.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than BLC (about $9,550 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.5% higher at Clarke University than at Bethany Lutheran College (about $9,550 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $31,360.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University as at Bethany Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 45.4% larger than aid received by Bethany Lutheran College students ($28,884 vs. $19,865).

Clarke University vs. BLC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarke University or BLC? 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 BLC and Clarke University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bethany Lutheran College (1110) is 80 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming BLC 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: Clarke University 900/1160; Bethany Lutheran College 1040/1180.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Bethany Lutheran College 21/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; BLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: BLC Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman BLC students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.51) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Clarke University has a higher acceptance rate (71.8%) than BLC (39%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 34% at BLC.

Clarke University vs. BLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and BLC? 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).

• Clarke University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Bethany Lutheran College's (53%).
• Graduates from Clarke University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than BLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,800 vs. $37,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bethany Lutheran College graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, BLC graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($240 vs. $268).
• More BLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Clarke University students, three years after graduation. (80% 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.