Clarke University
Clarke University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Clarke University at a Glance
Clarke University is a private Catholic university in Dubuque, Iowa, United States. It was founded in 1843 as St. Mary's Female Academy by Mother Mary Frances Clarke, foundress of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
1843
183 years old
$30M
$29.8 million (2025)
962
815 undergrad · 147 grad
Identity
Is Clarke University Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Clarke University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $55,396 — 3% above average — while paying $24,479/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Clarke University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Clarke University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IA
Ranked #34 of 101 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #2 | Ursuline College | 53 | $16,164 | $56,878 |
| #3 | Kettering College | 51 | $21,650 | $67,492 |
| #4 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #5 | Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | 47 | $21,863 | $65,071 |
| #6 | Illinois College | 45 | $18,298 | $52,575 |
| #34 | Clarke University | 31 | $24,479 | $55,396 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Clarke University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 4 in IA.
Best Programs at Clarke University
The highest-earning program at Clarke University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $54,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $29,600/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Clarke University earns $54,700, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $29,600. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $26,331 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,479/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $54,700 | $54,700 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $36,900 | $36,900 | $27,000 |
| Psychology, General | $29,600 | $29,600 | $26,331 |
Similar Colleges in IA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Dubuque, IA
- Student Body
- 742 students
- Admission Rate
- 72%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,479
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,396
- Median Student Debt
- $26,717