Clarke University vs. CMU

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Michigan University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (14,488 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarke University is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Central Michigan University is in Mount Pleasant, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Central Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarke University 9:1; Central Michigan University 16:1.

Clarke University vs. CMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or CMU? 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 Michigan University than Clarke University ($17,575 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 6.6% lower than at Central Michigan University ($11,734 vs. $12,564).
• Clarke University is 177.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than CMU (about $26,150 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 177.2% higher at Clarke University than at Central Michigan University (about $26,150 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $14,760.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Central Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 121.5% larger than aid received by Central Michigan University students ($28,884 vs. $13,042).

Clarke University vs. CMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Central Michigan University (1080) is 50 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming CMU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160; Central Michigan University 960/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Central Michigan University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; CMU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman CMU students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• CMU has a higher acceptance rate (89.8%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 11.3% at CMU.

Clarke University vs. CMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and CMU? 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 Central Michigan University's (54%).
• Graduates from Central Michigan University earn a median of about $1,700 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($44,500 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 CMU graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Clarke University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than CMU graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CMU students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 54%)

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.