Clarke University vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with Rivier University in Nashua, NH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Rivier University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (2,777 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarke University vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Rivier 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 Clarke University than Rivier University ($26,725 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 25% lower than at Rivier University ($11,734 vs. $15,636).
• Clarke University is 3.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Rivier University (about $1,422 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.6% higher at Clarke University than at Rivier University (about $1,422 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $39,488.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Rivier University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 15.9% larger than aid received by Rivier University students ($28,884 vs. $24,927).

Clarke University vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 90 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• 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; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• Rivier University has a higher acceptance rate (82.6%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

Clarke University vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Rivier 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 Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Rivier University earn a median of about $3,600 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,400 vs. $42,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Rivier University graduates have a $545 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($25,455 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Rivier University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($263 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Rivier University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 70%)

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.