Clarke University vs. Limestone University

Comparable Facts

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

Limestone University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (1,807 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarke University vs. Limestone University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Limestone 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 Limestone University than Clarke University ($19,369 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Limestone University are 4.5% lower than at Clarke University ($11,210 vs. $11,734).
• Clarke University is 47.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Limestone University (about $13,110 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 47.2% higher at Clarke University than at Limestone University (about $13,110 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $27,800.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Limestone University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 34.3% larger than aid received by Limestone University students ($28,884 vs. $21,504).

Clarke University vs. Limestone University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Limestone University (1070) is 40 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Limestone University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160; Limestone University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Limestone University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; Limestone University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Limestone University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Limestone University has a higher acceptance rate (97.3%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 11.4% at Limestone University.

Clarke University vs. Limestone University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Limestone 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).

• Clarke University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Limestone University's (39%).
• Graduates from Clarke University earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Limestone University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,800 vs. $40,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarke University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Limestone University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,250).
• Among borrowers, Clarke University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Limestone University graduates ($268 vs. $281).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Limestone University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 36%)

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.