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Buena Vista University vs Clarke University

Buena Vista University is a private university in Storm Lake, IA. Clarke University is a private university in Dubuque, IA. Clarke University admits about 72% of applicants and Buena Vista University about 78%, making Clarke University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $18,846 a year at Buena Vista University after aid, and about $24,479 at Clarke University. About 56% of students graduate at Clarke University, compared with 54% at Buena Vista University. Ten years after enrolling, Clarke University alumni earn a median of about $55,396, against $49,156 for Buena Vista University.

Buena Vista University

Storm Lake, IA · Private

Clarke University

Dubuque, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Storm Lake, IA
Dubuque, IA
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,366
742
Acceptance rate
78%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.34–3.84
3.36–3.86
SAT (middle 50%)
930–1130
900–1160
ACT (middle 50%)
19–26
16–24
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$18,846
$24,479
Full cost / yr
$54,222
$55,782
In-state tuition
$41,798
$40,910
Out-of-state tuition
$41,798
$40,910
Application fee
$0
Not reported
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,901
$23,405
$30k - $48k
$14,838
$22,543
$48k - $75k
$18,094
$22,645
$75k - $110k
$19,571
$27,890
Over $110k
$24,967
$24,784
Outcomes
Graduation rate
54%
56%
Freshman retention
76%
67%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$43,572
$49,157
Median earnings (10 yr)
$49,156
$55,396
Median debt at graduation
$25,000
$26,717
Student body
Pell grant recipients
44%
37%
First-generation students
35%
29%
International students
1%
11%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Buena Vista University or Clarke University harder to get into?
Clarke University is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 78% at Buena Vista University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Buena Vista University or Clarke University?
Buena Vista University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $18,846 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,479 at Clarke University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Buena Vista University and Clarke University?
Before aid, Buena Vista University costs about $54,222 a year and Clarke University about $55,782. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Buena Vista University or Clarke University?
Buena Vista University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,901 there, against about $23,405 at Clarke University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Buena Vista University or Clarke University?
Buena Vista University is the larger of the two, with about 1,366 undergraduates against 742 at Clarke University.
Does Buena Vista University or Clarke University have a better graduation rate?
Clarke University has the higher graduation rate, at about 56% against 54% at Buena Vista University.
Do graduates of Buena Vista University or Clarke University earn more?
Clarke University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $55,396 ten years after enrolling, against about $49,156 for Buena Vista University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Buena Vista University and Clarke University require SAT or ACT scores?
Buena Vista University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Clarke University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Buena Vista University and Clarke University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 930–1130 at Buena Vista University and 900–1160 at Clarke University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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