Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Dubuque, Iowa |
| Online | clarke.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Small City |
| Religious Affiliation | Roman Catholic |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Clarke University sits on a hilltop campus overlooking the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa, approximately 175 miles west of Chicago. Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clarke originated as a women's academy and transitioned to a fully coeducational institution in 2005. The campus combines historic buildings, including the centerpiece Sacred Heart Chapel, with modern academic facilities spread across its 55-acre grounds. Clarke is recognized for its nursing, physical therapy, and education programs, while also maintaining strong liberal arts offerings. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years, with housing options ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment-style accommodations, and the university competes in NAIA athletics as the Pride.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Clarke University is rated within the top 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Clarke University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#395 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#285 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in Iowa
#4 in Best Private Colleges in Iowa
#297 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#9 in Best Value Colleges in Iowa
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 890/1045 |
| ACT | 18/26 |
| GPA | 3.36 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,160 |
| Other Fees | $1,200 |
| Room and Board | $11,000 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $3,728 |
| Total One Year Cost | $55,488 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Health Professions | 24% |
| Business | 16% |
| Education | 14% |
| Psychology | 9% |
| Human Services | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Clarke University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153126 IPEDS survey data for Clarke University.
Current students may use the Clarke University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025