Clarke University vs. Northland College

Comparable Facts

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

Clarke University is larger than Northland College based on total student enrollment (962 students vs. 286 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarke University is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Northland College is in Ashland, WI (Remote Town setting).
• Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northland College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarke University 9:1; Northland College 5:1.

Clarke University vs. Northland College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Northland 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 Northland College than Clarke University ($23,253 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Northland College are 1.1% lower than at Clarke University ($11,600 vs. $11,734).
• Northland College is 8.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarke University (about $3,493 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $40,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 8.5% higher at Northland College than at Clarke University (about $3,493 more per year; $44,403.00 vs. $40,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University as at Northland College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northland College students is 16.2% larger than aid received by Clarke University students ($33,572 vs. $28,884).

Clarke University vs. Northland College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northland College (1050) is 20 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Northland College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160; Northland College 950/1140.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Northland College 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; Northland College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Clarke University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Northland College (3.3).
• Northland College has a higher acceptance rate (75%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 9.6% at Northland College.

Clarke University vs. Northland College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Northland 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 Northland College's (48%).
• Graduates from Clarke University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Northland College graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,800 vs. $34,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarke University graduates have a $943 lower median loan debt than Northland College graduates ($26,000 vs. $26,943).
• Among borrowers, Clarke University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Northland College graduates ($268 vs. $278).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northland College students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 73%)

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.