DePaul vs. Clarke University

Comparable Facts

Compare DePaul University in Chicago, IL with Clarke University in Dubuque, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

DePaul University is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (21,210 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• DePaul University is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Clarke University is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• DePaul University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: DePaul University 17:1; Clarke University 9:1.

DePaul vs. Clarke University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DePaul or Clarke 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 DePaul ($26,725 vs. $34,135).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 38.5% lower than at DePaul University ($11,734 vs. $19,095).
• DePaul University is 12.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Clarke University (about $5,089 more per year; $45,999.00 vs. $40,910.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 12.4% higher at DePaul than at Clarke University (about $5,089 more per year; $45,999.00 vs. $40,910.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at DePaul University as at Clarke University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by DePaul University students is 1.4% larger than aid received by Clarke University students ($29,285 vs. $28,884).

DePaul vs. Clarke University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at DePaul University (1240) is 210 points higher than at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming DePaul students have a 8 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DePaul University 1140/1330; Clarke University 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: DePaul University 25/31; Clarke University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DePaul - Test optional; Clarke University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DePaul Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DePaul students have a 0.44 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Clarke University (3.36).
• DePaul has a higher acceptance rate (75.9%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.8% at DePaul vs. 5.5% at Clarke University.

DePaul vs. Clarke University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DePaul and Clarke 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).

• DePaul University's six-year graduation rate (66%) is higher than Clarke University's (60%).
• Graduates from DePaul University earn a median of about $14,100 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $42,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, DePaul University graduates have a $2,668 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($23,332 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, DePaul graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($241 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DePaul students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 62%)

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.