Clarke University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Clarke University in Dubuque, IA with Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Southwest Minnesota State University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (8,214 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Clarke University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Clarke University or Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University than Clarke University ($15,547 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southwest Minnesota State University are 6% lower than at Clarke University ($11,028 vs. $11,734).
• Clarke University is 294.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southwest Minnesota State University (about $30,549 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 294.8% higher at Clarke University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (about $30,549 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $10,361.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Southwest Minnesota State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 233% larger than aid received by Southwest Minnesota State University students ($28,884 vs. $8,674).

Clarke University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Clarke University or Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University and Clarke University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Clarke University (1030) is 10 points higher than at Southwest Minnesota State University (1020).
• Incoming Clarke University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 20) as students at Southwest Minnesota State University (20).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 900/1160; Southwest Minnesota State University 935/1102.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Clarke University 16/24; Southwest Minnesota State University 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Clarke University - Test optional; Southwest Minnesota State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Southwest Minnesota State University Aug 18, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Clarke University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Southwest Minnesota State University (3.21).
• Clarke University has a higher acceptance rate (71.8%) than Southwest Minnesota State University (62.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 5.5% at Clarke University vs. 22.2% at Southwest Minnesota State University.

Clarke University vs. Southwest Minnesota State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Clarke University and Southwest Minnesota 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 Southwest Minnesota State University's (39%).
• Graduates from Clarke University earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Southwest Minnesota State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,800 vs. $41,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have a $4,322 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($21,678 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Southwest Minnesota State University graduates have an estimated $44 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($224 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southwest Minnesota State University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 66%)

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.