Clarke University vs. Columbia College

Comparable Facts

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

Columbia College is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (1,725 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarke University is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Columbia College is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarke University 9:1; Columbia College 12:1.

Clarke University vs. Columbia College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Columbia College? 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 Columbia College than Clarke University ($18,790 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Columbia College are 20% lower than at Clarke University ($9,390 vs. $11,734).
• Clarke University is 84.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Columbia College (about $18,696 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 84.2% higher at Clarke University than at Columbia College (about $18,696 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $22,214.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Columbia College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 75.6% larger than aid received by Columbia College students ($28,884 vs. $16,451).

Clarke University vs. Columbia College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarke University (1030) is 30 points higher than at Columbia College (1000).
• Incoming Clarke University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 16 at Columbia College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160; Columbia College 850/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Columbia College 14/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; Columbia College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Columbia College students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.56) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Columbia College has a higher acceptance rate (93.9%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 8.5% at Columbia College.

Clarke University vs. Columbia College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Columbia College? 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 Columbia College's (50%).
• Graduates from Clarke University earn a median of about $8,100 more per year than Columbia College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,800 vs. $34,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia College graduates have a $736 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($25,264 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Columbia College graduates have an estimated $7 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($261 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Columbia College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 43%)

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.