Founded in 1843, Clarke University. is a Private college. Located in Iowa, which is a city setting in Iowa, the campus itself is Urban. The campus is home to 801 full time undergraduate students, and 242 full time graduate students.
The Clarke University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 8:1. There are 94 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Clarke University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
64%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
25
SAT Range
856-1060
ACT Range
20-25
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,6% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 13 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
82% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 48% were in the top quarter, and 18% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Clarke University.
0%
“We”re apathetic”
29%
“We know about current events and vote”
71%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
14%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
43%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
29%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
57%
“I feel extremely safe”
14%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
14%
“We bought the gear”
71%
“We live for the big game”
14%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
43%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
29%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
43%
“They keep regular office hours”
57%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
0%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
29%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
43%
“We only party on weekends”
29%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
0%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
43%
“There might be people who do”
57%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
0%
“We”re apathetic”
29%
“We know about current events and vote”
71%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
0%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
14%
“We save it for the classroom”
14%
“Sometimes, but not often”
43%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
29%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
0%
“I only go out in groups”
43%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
57%
“I feel extremely safe”
14%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
14%
“We bought the gear”
71%
“We live for the big game”
14%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
43%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
29%
“We”re a very artistic group”
0%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
43%
“They keep regular office hours”
57%
“They”re always available”
100%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
0%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
22 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 32 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
19 Students rated off-campus housing 3.6 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
26 Students rated campus food 4.3 stars. 35 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
33 Students rated campus facilities 3.9 stars. 24 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
33 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 70 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
33 Students rated school activities 3.3 stars. 18 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
33 Students rated local services 4.3 stars. 55 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
33 Students rated academics 4.1 stars. 39 % gave the school a 5.0.
Clarke University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Clarke University?
13 Students rated Clarke University
D.j.
Prospective04/02/2025
I want to attend Clarke university because of the community and it's closeness together. being on the campus and seeing all that Dubuque Iowa has to offer really gives you a sense of community and they really make you feel like they want you there. I was there for a tour and got an offer to play men's volleyball there. I also met some of the guys from the team and they were very nice. academic wise Clarke is a smaller school so the class sizes are pretty small which is good if because teachers are willing to answer questions.
Cameron
Since I have become a 'Clarkie' I have had an amazing experience. The campus is just the right size for those of you who do not want to overwhelmed by size, it feels more like home, everyone is so friendly and is there to make lifelong friends and have an awesome career!
Haley
I was accepted and am planning to attend Clarke University in the fall of 2020. On my visits to Clarke, I have felt nothing but safe and encouraged. The professors and staff are friendly and welcoming and seem to care very much about the wellbeing and education of the students. The facilities of the university are well kept and have a comforting feel that illuminates as soon as you walk in. Students are accepting and see the whole school as one big family. It is reasonable to say that Clarke University is a great place to pursue an education and grow as a person.
Juan
It’s amazing very peacefully everyone is so nice and they say hello to you it’s like home away from home the sports culture is big here everyone comes out to the games and supports their fellow students it’s mike one big family just studying together
Ashley
Clarke University is personally the best college that I have ever attended. I love it there and the staff and faculty are all very welcoming and sweet. The campus is put in the middle of the town which makes things quite accessible to the students. Then the campus itself has very pretty scenery and is very well kept up with.
Kaia
I’ve been there on college visits and around the campus with friends, but overall I feel that it is definitely a place I can see myself going to school. It seems like a very great community to be in and it seems like everyone’s friends because of how small and welcoming the school is.
Olivia
Clarke University is a wonderful, safe place. The staff an students have made me feel so welcome and appreciated on every visit. The classrooms are very nice and well equipped. The dorms are very safe and a reasonable size. The class sizes are perfect to be able to get a one on one experience. The professors know you by name which makes you feel special and valued.
Jacquelyn
The professors are dependable and really do want each student to succeed. Everyone is accommodating to their students' needs. For the most part, the students are a good group of people. There are a few people who get on my nerves, but the community is great. The staff is all friendly and personable, so it really feels like home at Clarke. The administration (President Joann) is not the best. She recently cut several degree programs; most of which are in the arts.
Additionally, the school tends to emphasize athletics over everything else. While I know that it can be helpful to those in athletics, it makes the other groups feel as though they are underappreciated and underfunded. The food is amazing though. It's all homecooked, fresh, and there is variety every day.
Gabby
Clarke is small compared to many other college campuses, but the community and family feel it gives students makes up for the small student body. Everybody knows everybody, which makes it easier for students to connect with others and with the community. The teachers and students are all on a first name basis and are always encouraging you to see them or contact them if you ever need any help. Everyone at Clarke is very helpful and really care for you individually. At Clarke, you will never be just another number, but an integral part of the Clarke family.
Alex
Clarke offers many opportunities that allow students, as well as student athletes, to have the environment to succeed academically, as well as athletically. Furthermore, the small class sizes allow for one on one instruction, as well as room for growth. Clarke has a close-knit community which allows for students to develop relationships with one another, creating study groups, as well as life-long friendships.
Cambrii
When I first stepped onto the Clarke campus I instantly fell involve with everything, the dorm rooms were beautiful and quite large compared to the other colleges, the food was great and not nasty, and the small things that the school provides to help their students not be homesick is amazing. I can't wait to attend there this fall.
Trey
I came to this school for academics and I was pleased. Yes, there are some things that could be upgraded but I am happy I came here and this is the school I will graduate from. The school food is good, the housing is not bad at all, and the professors get to know you on a first name basis.
Rachael
Overall, I think that Clarke University is a great school for students who are majoring in Nursing or anything with the sciences like AT/PT, but other than that it really isn't going to be your best option. I am currently in the Math program and there aren't many other people in it, so the classes are very small and I feel like I am not getting the oportunities others get at bigger schools.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Clarke University is 64%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Time management and goals are the key to succeeding in college. Many college freshman fail in these two categories. They often fail to realize that study habits will be much different in college than in high school. Much more time must be dedicated to studying in college. So when students only focus on their social life, they tend to fall behind on their academic studies. There needs to be a good balance between academics and social life. When both of these areas are balanced, one is able to life a memorable and successful college life. Related to time management, living a goal oriented life is also important. College freshman need to set and prioritize their goals. Academic success needs to be at the top of the list. When a student places all of their focus on one goal, they are bound to fall behind in other areas of their lives. In order to succeed in college, students need to define and pursue their main goal while still maintaining other areas of life. It all comes back to time management and allocating the neccesary amount of time for each category or goal.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Clarke is very small and students get a lot of one on one attention. There is always someone around to help you with whatever youa re struggling with, I would say that Clarke is also a very friendly college.
The best thing about my school is the atmosphere. I love the small class sizes and the 1 on 1 connection that we have with faculty. Professors are very engaged in our learning and available for help. Everyone is very respectful and friendly on campus, which makes me feel at home.
Outgoing students who want to attend a small college. The instructors know who you are and will talk to you about missing classes. Its a good school for people who are more reserved too because it is easy to get to know people and the professors and staff care about the students.
What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?
I brag about how the teachers and proffesors are student oriented. I also am proud of how I have been able to succeed. My academic success is most influenced by hard work, but also by the help of proffesors who really do care about the students. In most large universities, the faculuty does not care about the students. At Clarke, the faculuty really do care about the success of the students.
Well-rounded students for the most part. Some of them are slackers and don't realize their faults until later. But once they do, they shape up quickly. A few students here and there are outstanding and are rightfully at the front of the pack. Work ethic is spot on, with a few exceptions as usual.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
Clarke is such a small school that it really feels like home. Everyone is so friendly, and people actually seem to care about each other. It's the one college that I felt was doing more than just trying to get my money, and that they genuinely care about me as a person.
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
100% of students attending Clarke University receive some sort of financial aid.
50% were awarded federal grants.79%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.
