Southern Illinois University vs. Clarke University

Comparable Facts

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

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is larger than Clarke University based on total student enrollment (11,790 students vs. 962 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, IL (Rural Fringe setting); Clarke University is in Dubuque, IA (Small City setting).
• Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Clarke University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 11:1; Clarke University 9:1.

Southern Illinois University vs. Clarke University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Southern Illinois University 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 Southern Illinois University Carbondale than Clarke University ($13,473 vs. $26,725).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Clarke University are 4.9% lower than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale ($11,734 vs. $12,341).
• Clarke University is 206.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Illinois University (about $27,576 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 206.8% higher at Clarke University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (about $27,576 more per year; $40,910.00 vs. $13,334.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Clarke University than at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Clarke University students is 112.2% larger than aid received by Southern Illinois University Carbondale students ($28,884 vs. $13,610).

Southern Illinois University vs. Clarke University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Southern Illinois University 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 Southern Illinois University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (1030) is the same as at Clarke University (1030).
• Incoming Southern Illinois University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 20 at Clarke University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 900/1160; Clarke University 900/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Southern Illinois University Carbondale 18/25; Clarke University 16/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Southern Illinois University - Test optional; Clarke University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Clarke University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.36) than students at Southern Illinois University (3.24).
• Southern Illinois University has a higher acceptance rate (86.9%) than Clarke University (71.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at Southern Illinois University vs. 5.5% at Clarke University.

Southern Illinois University vs. Clarke University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Southern Illinois University 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).

• Clarke University's six-year graduation rate (60%) is higher than Southern Illinois University Carbondale's (44%).
• Graduates from Southern Illinois University Carbondale earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Clarke University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,800 vs. $42,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Clarke University graduates ($22,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Southern Illinois University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Clarke University graduates ($232 vs. $268).
• More Clarke University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Illinois University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 51%)

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.