Clarke University vs. Saginaw Valley State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with Saginaw Valley State University in University Center, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Saginaw Valley State University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (6,822 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Clarke University is located in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting); Saginaw Valley State University is in University Center, MI (Rural Fringe setting).
• Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saginaw Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Clarke University 9:1; Saginaw Valley State University 16:1.

Clarke University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University than Clarke University ($11,546 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 4.9% lower than at Saginaw Valley State University ($11,734 vs. $12,340).
• Clarke University is 216.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saginaw Valley State University (about $27,980 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $12,930.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.4% higher at Clarke University than at Saginaw Valley State University (about $10,460 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $30,450.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Saginaw Valley State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 113.8% larger than aid received by Saginaw Valley State University students ($28,884 vs. $13,512).

Clarke University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarke University or Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University and Clarke University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saginaw Valley State University (1050) is 20 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Saginaw Valley State 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; Saginaw Valley State University 920/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Saginaw Valley State University 18/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; Saginaw Valley State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saginaw Valley State University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.48) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• Saginaw Valley State University has a higher acceptance rate (72.1%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 16% at Saginaw Valley State University.

Clarke University vs. Saginaw Valley State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Saginaw Valley State 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 Saginaw Valley State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Clarke University earn a median of about $1,800 more per year than Saginaw Valley State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,800 vs. $41,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Clarke University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Clarke University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saginaw Valley State University graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saginaw Valley State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 48%)

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.