Campus Vibe
Known for health sciences — close-knit campus
Clarke University is a private institution in Dubuque with particular strength in health sciences and business. With an average SAT of 1060, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.
A small campus of 782 undergraduates with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.
55% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $55,396 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $20,068.
Campus Visits
Plan Your Visit
News & Alerts
Clarke University Launches New Data Science Minor
Starting Fall 2026, students can pursue an interdisciplinary data science minor combining CS, statistics, and domain courses.
Tuition Increase Announced for 2026-27
The board of trustees approved a 3.2% tuition increase for the upcoming academic year, in line with peer institutions.
Admissions
SAT Score Ranges
Average: 1060
ACT Score Range
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.
Cost & Financial Aid
Sticker Price
Net Price by Family Income
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.
Debt & Aid Detail
Net Price Trend
Tuition Trend
Graduate w/ Zero Debt
28.1%
Avg Tuition Increase
3.2%/yr
Median Debt at Grad
$19,500
Campus Safety
Total Incidents (2024)
7
Peer Average
3
3-Year Trend
Emergency System
Campus security, emergency notification system
Incident Breakdown (2024)
Burglary
Aggravated Assault
Robbery
Motor Vehicle Theft
Sex Offenses
Arson
Drug Arrests
Liquor Arrests
Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).
Programs (45)
Student Life
Student Satisfaction
Retention Rate
67%
- •67% first-year retention rate
- •Active student organizations
- •Engaged campus community
Mental Health Services
Counselor Ratio
1:350
24/7 Crisis Line
Yes
Free Sessions
12 per year
Avg Wait
5 days
Walk-in hours available weekdays
Disability Services
ADA-compliant campus with ongoing accessibility improvements
Dining
Rating
★★★★☆
Score
4/5
Meal Plan
$6,200/yr
Multiple dining halls with farm-to-table options
Student Body
Race & Ethnicity
Outcomes
Median Earnings After Graduation
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.
Rankings
More About This School
Varsity Sports — Pride
History & Fun Facts
- •History Postcard showing the campus before the fire What is now known as Clarke University was established in 1843 as St.
- •It was one of the first such schools for women built west of the Mississippi River.
- •Mary's moved to its present location atop Dubuque's Seminary Hill (Clarke Drive) and was renamed Mount St.
- •The college became a liberal arts school in 1901, and the first bachelor's degree was awarded in 1904.
- •Joseph was chartered by the state of Iowa, becoming a four-year college by 1913.
Source: Wikipedia
Location & Lifestyle
Cost of Living
Housing and food costs are higher than national average
Climate (School Year)
Nearest Cities
Transit Scores
Local Economy
Getting There
Nearest Airports
Distance to Cities
Visit Planning
Suggested Itinerary
Nearby Hotels
Airport Transit
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