Clarke University vs. Mount Mercy College

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Mount Mercy University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (1,417 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarke University is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Mount Mercy University is in Cedar Rapids, IA (Midsize City setting).
• Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Mount Mercy University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarke University 9:1; Mount Mercy University 14:1.

Clarke University vs. Mount Mercy College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Mount Mercy 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 Mount Mercy University than Clarke University ($24,347 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Mount Mercy University are 1.1% lower than at Clarke University ($11,600 vs. $11,734).
• Clarke University is 0.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Mount Mercy College (about $32 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $40,878.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.1% higher at Clarke University than at Mount Mercy University (about $32 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $40,878.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University as at Mount Mercy University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Mount Mercy University students is 6.4% larger than aid received by Clarke University students ($30,735 vs. $28,884).

Clarke University vs. Mount Mercy College Admissions comparison

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

• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; Mount Mercy College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Mount Mercy College Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Mount Mercy College students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Mount Mercy College has a higher acceptance rate (82.5%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 27.9% at Mount Mercy College.

Clarke University vs. Mount Mercy College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Mount Mercy 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).

• The graduation rate at Clarke University is the same as at Mount Mercy University (60% vs. 60%).
• Graduates from Mount Mercy University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,900 vs. $42,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Mount Mercy University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($22,250 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Mount Mercy College graduates have an estimated $38 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($230 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Mount Mercy College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 71%)

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.