Clarke University vs. Erskine College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarke University is larger than Erskine College based on total student enrollment (962 students vs. 912 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarke University is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Erskine College is in Due West, SC (Distant Rural setting).
• Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Erskine College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarke University 9:1; Erskine College 15:1.

Clarke University vs. Erskine College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Erskine 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 Erskine College than Clarke University ($23,882 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 11.4% lower than at Erskine College ($11,734 vs. $13,250).
• Clarke University is 11.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Erskine College (about $4,200 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.4% higher at Clarke University than at Erskine College (about $4,200 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $36,710.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University as at Erskine College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Erskine College students is 7.9% larger than aid received by Clarke University students ($31,174 vs. $28,884).

Clarke University vs. Erskine College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Erskine College (1040) is 10 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Clarke University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Erskine College (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160; Erskine College 920/1150.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Erskine College 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; Erskine College - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Clarke University students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Erskine College (3.26).
• Clarke University has a higher acceptance rate (71.8%) than Erskine College (62.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 22.2% at Erskine College.

Clarke University vs. Erskine College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Erskine 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 Erskine College's (55%).
• Graduates from Clarke University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than Erskine College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,800 vs. $40,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarke University graduates have a $750 lower median loan debt than Erskine College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,750).
• Among borrowers, Clarke University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Erskine College graduates ($268 vs. $276).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Erskine College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 69%)

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.