Clarke University
Dubuque, Iowa
Clarke University is a private institution in Dubuque, Iowa with 782 undergraduate students. For nursing students, the useful read is not just whether a program exists, but how its tuition, completion rates, debt, and earnings compare with nearby options.
In-state tuition is $39,600 compared with a Iowa nursing-school average of $22,026. The school reports a graduation rate of 54.9%, median earnings of $55,396, and median federal debt of $26,717.
$39,600 is higher than the state average of $22,026.
54.9% is higher than the state average of 54.2%.
$55,396 is higher than the state average of $43,462.
About Clarke University
| Location | Dubuque, Iowa |
| Institution Type | Private Nonprofit |
| Highest Degree | graduate |
| Website | www.clarke.edu |
| In-State Tuition | $39,600 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $39,600 |
| Total Enrollment | 782 |
| Acceptance Rate | 68.2% |
| Graduation Rate | 54.9% |
| Retention Rate | 67.4% |
| Median Earnings (10 yrs after) | $55,396 |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,717 |
| Est. Monthly Loan Payment | $283 |
| Pell Grant Recipients | 35.9% |
| Students Receiving Loans | 71.9% |
| Loan Default Rate | 0.0% |
| Nursing Program | Available |
Cost and Return Snapshot
Based on published tuition, median debt, and earnings data
A typical graduate debt load would equal about 0.5 years of post-payment earnings capacity using the reported median earnings and 10-year monthly payment estimate.
Affordability Context
35.9% of students receive Pell Grants, a useful signal for how often the school serves lower-income students. 71.9% of students take federal loans, so borrowing is common in the student body. The three-year loan default rate is 0.0%, which helps frame repayment risk alongside earnings and debt.
Cost and Outcomes Context
The value picture at Clarke University depends on the relationship between price, borrowing, and outcomes. A simple four-year tuition estimate is $158,400, while the reported median debt is $26,717 with an estimated monthly payment of $283. These figures should be compared with aid offers and program-specific requirements before making a final decision.
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Student Demographics
The student body is largest among White students (53.6%), followed by Black students (13.6%) and Hispanic students (11.5%).
Value Score
Median earnings ($55,396) divided by median debt ($26,717)