Clarke University vs. Northwood University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with Northwood University in Midland, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwood University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (2,409 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarke University is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Northwood University is in Midland, MI (Distant Town setting).
• Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Northwood University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarke University 9:1; Northwood University 14:1.

Clarke University vs. Northwood University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Northwood 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 Northwood University than Clarke University ($25,549 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 10.4% lower than at Northwood University ($11,734 vs. $13,100).
• Clarke University is 18.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Northwood University (about $6,510 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18.9% higher at Clarke University than at Northwood University (about $6,510 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $34,400.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Northwood University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 23.7% larger than aid received by Northwood University students ($28,884 vs. $23,349).

Clarke University vs. Northwood University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwood University (1060) is 30 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Clarke University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Northwood University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160; Northwood University 950/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Northwood University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; Northwood University - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Northwood University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Clarke University has a higher acceptance rate (71.8%) than Northwood University (64.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 28.6% at Northwood University.

Clarke University vs. Northwood University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Northwood 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 Northwood University's (53%).
• Graduates from Northwood University earn a median of about $7,700 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $42,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwood University graduates have a $4,225 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($21,775 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Northwood University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($225 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northwood University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 54%)

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.