Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Dubuque, Iowa
68.2% Acceptance Rate
Clarke University — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
68.2%Acceptance Rate
3.36Avg GPA
1060Avg SAT
22Avg ACT
$52,899Annual Cost
$55,396Grad Salary
35.9%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
68.2%
Avg GPA
3.36
Avg SAT
1060
Avg ACT
22
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
890–1045
ACT Middle 50%
18–26
Need-Based Aid
35.9% receive Pell
Clarke University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution in Iowa known for its supportive community, academic rigor, and commitment to personal development. Offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, the university fosters an environment where students engage in critical inquiry and professional preparation. Its focus on providing a values-centered, high-value education makes it a meaningful choice for students seeking to balance their intellectual pursuits with their personal and career ambitions.
Clarke University Acceptance Rate
Clarke University is somewhat selective in its admission process. The acceptance rate of Clarke University is 68.2%. This means that 68 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Broad Evaluation: Personal growth and vocational goals are considered alongside grades.
- Flexible Standards: Strengths in extracurriculars can often balance an average GPA.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 68.2% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.36 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.16 – 3.35
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.91
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Clarke University Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Clarke University follows a Rolling Admissions policy, meaning applications are reviewed as they arrive and there is no single fixed deadline.
Key Admission Dates
Rolling Admissions — Apply Anytime
Clarke University reviews applications continuously throughout the year. Seats and scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early gives you a significant advantage for both admission and financial aid.
💡 The scholarship deadline (December 1, 2026) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Clarke University GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Clarke University is 3.36. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.
A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.56-3.76 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.06 and 3.36, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.
Clarke University GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.
Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).
Admissions at Clarke University utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.36, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.36 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.16 – 3.35
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.96 – 3.15
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.95
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- No relation to Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, despite the near-identical name; Clarke is Catholic, founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM)
- Nursing major requires a separate, competitive sophomore-level clinical application (3.0 GPA, specific prerequisite grades, CPR/CNA certification, interview, background check); only two application attempts allowed
- Nursing students complete a 120-hour one-on-one preceptorship with a working nurse mentor, beyond standard clinical hours
- Offers unusually specific continuing-education programs in both nursing and brewing alongside 40+ traditional undergraduate majors
- The Rigor Metric: At Clarke University, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Clarke University
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Clarke University's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Clarke University Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Clarke University Without SAT or ACT?
Clarke University considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Clarke University Average SAT Score: 1060
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Clarke University is 1060 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1060 — Accessible
This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 1060 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1045 SAT or 26 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Clarke University allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 890, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Clarke University. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 465 | 410 | 520 |
| SAT Reading | 503 | 480 | 525 |
| SAT Composite | 1060 | 890 | 1045 |
It means that if you have scored less than 890 then you are below most of the admitted students at Clarke University and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1045 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1050
Can I get into Clarke University with a 1050 SAT?
With a 1050 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Clarke University are good but the admission staff at Clarke University tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Clarke University ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Clarke University is 22.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 22 — Slightly Competitive
This score makes Clarke University slightly Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do well to score 22 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 21 | 17 | 25 |
| ACT English | 20 | 16 | 24 |
| ACT Composite | 22 | 18 | 26 |
Can I get into Clarke University with a 26 ACT?
A 26 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Clarke University — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Clarke University use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Clarke University — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Clarke University uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 26 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Clarke University
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Clarke University is accessible to students who show core competency. The focus should be on proving readiness for college-level work and securing financial aid.
Confirm you're researching Clarke (Dubuque, IA), not Clark (Worcester, MA)
Clarke University and Clark University are unrelated schools separated by one letter, and search engines and aggregator sites regularly mix up their admissions pages and essay guides. Verify the state, the "e," and the mission - Clarke is Catholic, founded by the Sisters of Charity of the BVM; Clark is a secular research university - before basing any strategy on either school's specific requirements.
Treat nursing admission as a two-stage process, not one
Getting into Clarke does not mean automatic entry into the nursing major - students apply separately to the clinical portion at the sophomore level, requiring 30 completed credit hours, a 3.0 cumulative GPA, C-or-better grades in chemistry/microbiology/anatomy & physiology, CPR and CNA certification, two references, a written goals statement, and a faculty interview. Applicants get only two chances to apply to the clinical portion, so prerequisite timing should be mapped from the first semester.
Use the 120-hour preceptorship as a specific talking point for nursing applicants
Beyond standard clinical rotations, Clarke pairs nursing students with a one-on-one working-nurse mentor for 120 hours of preceptorship in a unit and care setting the student chooses - a level of individualized clinical mentorship many programs don't offer. A nursing applicant should ask about this preceptorship structure directly in interviews to signal real program research.
Name the Clarke Compass and BVM mission specifically, not generic "small Catholic college" language
Clarke tracks each student's coursework and experiences through "The Clarke Compass," compiling them into a career-ready resume by graduation - tied to the founding values (freedom, education, justice, charity) of the Sisters of Charity of the BVM, the same order whose sister Mary Kenneth Keller founded Clarke's computer science program in 1965 and was among the first people to earn a PhD in computer science in the U.S. Referencing this history and the Compass system directly shows genuine engagement with the school's identity.
Expert Insight:
Content found online under "Clarke University" should be checked for whether it's actually describing Clark University in Massachusetts - essay-prompt guides and admissions statistics for the two schools have been found conflated on aggregator sites, which can lead a student to prepare for the wrong application entirely.
Clarke University Profile
Full Name
Clarke University
City
Dubuque
State
Iowa
ZIP Code
52001-3198
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a Clarke University Degree Worth It?
Getting into Clarke University can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Clarke University offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Clarke University is $57,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.04%.
How much does a degree from Clarke University Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Clarke University is $52,899. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Clarke University is much less than this.
35.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 71.9 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Clarke University and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Clarke University, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Clarke University as your choice in the form.
How much does a Clarke University Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $55,396. An average Clarke University graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Clarke University. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faulkner University | Montgomery, AL | 1016 | 20 |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston, AL | 1015 | 20 |
| Marion Military Institute | Marion, AL | 1043 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Little Rock, AR | 1049 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Central Baptist College | Conway, AR | 1022 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton | Morrilton, AR | 1020 | 20 |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 1018 | 19 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Clarke University. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Jacksonville, AL | 1055 | 21 |
| Arkansas Tech University | Russellville, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Southern Arkansas University Main Campus | Magnolia, AR | 1050 | 20 |
| University of Arkansas-Fort Smith | Fort Smith, AR | 1050 | 21 |
| Colorado Mesa University | Grand Junction, CO | 1070 | 23 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Clarke University. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn University at Montgomery | Montgomery, AL | 1090 | 21 |
| University of South Alabama | Mobile, AL | 1119 | 23 |
| Spring Hill College | Mobile, AL | 1090 | 22 |
| Tuskegee University | Tuskegee, AL | 1121 | 22 |
| Grand Canyon University | Phoenix, AZ | 1095 | 22 |
Degree Programs at Clarke University
Bachelor Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Clarke University Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $55,396 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $52,899 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
35.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
The acceptance rate of Clarke University is 68.2% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.36. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.06, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.06, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 2.96 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.36, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Clarke University is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1060 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 890–1045.
The scholarship priority deadline is December 1, 2026. Submit your FAFSA before this date for maximum aid consideration.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.