C
Private 4 Year

Clarke University Admission Requirements

Dubuque, Iowa

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Your chances of getting into Clarke University

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Percent Admitted 

84.8%
Admission Difficulty for Clarke University
Measure Difficulty
Admission Standards Very Easy 
Applicant Competition Very Low 

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Clarke University is 84.8%.  Its admission rate is the 18th lowest in Iowa.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into Clarke University and can you get accepted?

Clarke University is an easy school to get into and you have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 2,260 out of the 2,665 who applied were admitted.

Clarke University typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.36. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 9% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into Clarke University?

85% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Calculate your admission chances
Calculate your admission chances

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Clarke University you should:

  • Have a high school GPA of 3.36 or better
  • Earn B+ grades in high school
  • Score 1040 on the SAT
  • Score 20 on the ACT
  • Graduate in the top half of your high school class

Clarke University GPA

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

Avg. High School GPA 

3.36

Typical High School Grades 

B+

What GPA do you need to get into Clarke University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into Clarke University are to have around a 3.36 high school GPA. You are required to have above average high school grades.

If your high school grades are above the average 3.36 GPA, you have a very good chance of being admitted as Clarke University accepts 85% of applicants.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at Clarke University is 3.36 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #22 in Iowa for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since Clarke University is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Calculate My Chances 

Clarke University SAT Scores

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Clarke University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 5% of students submitted SAT scores and 16% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Range 

920-1160

Applicants Submitting SAT 

5%
SAT Scores for Clarke University
SAT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 460
Math 25th Percentile 460
Composite 25th Percentile 920
SAT Scores for Clarke University
SAT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 590
Math 75th Percentile 570
Composite 75th Percentile 1160
Average SAT Score 1040

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Clarke University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at Clarke University is 1040 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 920-1160. Students who get into Clarke University score in the top 74 percent of all SAT test takers..  Clarke University ranks #16 in the state of Iowa for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1040 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Clarke University regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 920 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 920, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 800, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Clarke University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1040 SAT score range.

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1040, you have around a 85% chance of being admitted. A 1160 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 92% chance of getting in.

Clarke University admission chances by SAT score
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
1160 and Above Good >92%
1040 to 1160 Avg + 85%-92%
920 to 1040 Avg - 75%-85%
800 to 920 Reach 61%-75%
Less than 800 Low <61%
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Clarke University ACT Scores

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Range 

18-23 

Applicants Submitting ACT 

16%
ACT Scores for Clarke University
ACT Test 25th Percentile Score
Reading 25th Percentile 15
Math 25th Percentile 17
Composite 25th Percentile 18
ACT Scores for Clarke University
ACT Test 75th Percentile Score
Reading 75th Percentile 22
Math 75th Percentile 26
Composite 75th Percentile 23
Average ACT Score 20

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Clarke University?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to Clarke University is 20, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 18 and 23.  The school ranks #18 in Iowa for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 20. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 18 and score in the score in the top 62 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 16.

16 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Clarke University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Clarke University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into Clarke University for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 20 score has around 85% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 92% with a 23 ACT score.

Clarke University admission chances by ACT score
ACT Score Competitiveness  Admission Chances 
23 and Above Good >92%
20 to 23 Avg + 85%-92%
18 to 20 Avg - 77%-85%
16 to 18 Reach 67%-77%
Less than 16 Low <67%
Calculate My Chances 

High School Class Rank

78% of Clarke University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 37% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Clarke University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 17%
Top 25% of class 37%
Top 50% of class 78%
Data Source, Peterson's Data

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Clarke University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 424 2,241 2,665
Accepted 398 1,862 2,260
Acceptance Rate 94% 83% 85%
Enrolled 74 119 193
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 19% 6% 9%
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2022 starting class

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Clarke University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Clarke University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Clarke University Application Requirements
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Credits Accepted

High School Credits Accepted at Clarke University
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Admission Requirements Summary

Because Clarke University is lightly competitive to get into, you have a very good chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.36 GPA, you are almost certain to getting in. Combining this with an SAT score of 1040 and ACT of 20 will almost guarantee your admission.

Other Colleges to Apply To 

Students applying to Clarke University often consider these colleges

Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153126 IPEDS survey data for Clarke University.

Last updated February 24, 2024