Clarke University Admission Requirements

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Clarke University Admission Overview

Clarke University admission requirements are moderately competitive. Last year Clarke University admitted 71.8% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.36 GPA (B+) and SAT 900-1160 / ACT 16-24. Clarke University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Clarke University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

71.8%

Admission Standards

Very Easy

Applicant Competition

Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Clarke University

Acceptance Rate

The Clarke University acceptance rate is 71.8%. Last year, 2,438 of 3,394 applicants were admitted. That is the 9th lowest acceptance rate in Iowa.

Admission Selectivity

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

Clarke University is a moderately competitive school to get into, admitting a large majority of applicants. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Clarke University typically 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. 6% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Clarke University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.36

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.36

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at Clarke University typically have around a 3.36 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. Clarke University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #22 in Iowa for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

Clarke University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

900-1160

Freshmen who sent SAT

4%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 430
  • Math 470
  • Composite 900
SAT 25th percentile scores for Clarke University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 570
  • Math 590
  • Composite 1160
SAT 75th percentile scores for Clarke University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at Clarke University typically score around a 1030 SAT (middle 50% 900–1160) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 45th percentile nationally. Clarke University ranks #20 in the state of Iowa for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 900 to 1160

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

Clarke University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1030 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Clarke University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1160+ Above 75th >83%
1030 to 1160 Avg + 72%-83%
900 to 1030 Avg - 58%-72%
Below 900 Below mid-50 <58%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Clarke University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

16-24

Freshmen reporting ACT

7%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 14
  • Math 17
  • Composite 16
ACT 25th percentile scores for Clarke University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 24
  • Math 24
  • Composite 24
ACT 75th percentile scores for Clarke University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at Clarke University typically have around a 20 ACT (mid-50 16–24) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 51st percentile of ACT takers nationwide. Clarke University places #20 among colleges in Iowa for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 16 to 24

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to Clarke University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 20.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Clarke University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
24+ Above 75th >83%
20 to 24 Avg + 72%-83%
16 to 20 Avg - 58%-72%
Below 16 Below mid-50 <58%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the Clarke University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

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

Clarke University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 647 2,747 3,394
Accepted 495 1,943 2,438
Acceptance Rate 77% 71% 72%
Enrolled 58 77 135
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 12% 4% 6%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

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

Clarke University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
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

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Fee

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

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Clarke University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

Clarke University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 71.8% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.36 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (900-1160); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Clarke University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=153126.

GPA calculator: Clarke University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026