Skip to content

Clarke University vs Drake University

Clarke University is a private university in Dubuque, IA. Drake University is a private university in Des Moines, IA. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants and Clarke University about 72%, making Drake University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $24,479 a year at Clarke University after aid, and about $29,127 at Drake University. About 76% of students graduate at Drake University, compared with 56% at Clarke University. Ten years after enrolling, Drake University alumni earn a median of about $71,901, against $55,396 for Clarke University.

Clarke University

Dubuque, IA · Private

Drake University

Des Moines, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Dubuque, IA
Des Moines, IA
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
742
2,543
Acceptance rate
72%
64%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.36–3.86
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
900–1160
1110–1350
ACT (middle 50%)
16–24
24–29
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,479
$29,127
Full cost / yr
$55,782
$64,835
In-state tuition
$40,910
$52,130
Out-of-state tuition
$40,910
$52,130
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$23,405
$25,824
$30k - $48k
$22,543
$23,275
$48k - $75k
$22,645
$25,171
$75k - $110k
$27,890
$27,408
Over $110k
$24,784
$33,126
Outcomes
Graduation rate
56%
76%
Freshman retention
67%
84%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,157
$58,233
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,396
$71,901
Median debt at graduation
$26,717
$23,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
22%
First-generation students
29%
15%
International students
11%
4%
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 Clarke University or Drake University harder to get into?
Drake University is harder to get into. It admits about 64% of applicants, compared with 72% at Clarke 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, Clarke University or Drake University?
Clarke University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $24,479 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,127 at Drake 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 Clarke University and Drake University?
Before aid, Clarke University costs about $55,782 a year and Drake University about $64,835. 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, Clarke University or Drake University?
Clarke University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $23,405 there, against about $25,824 at Drake University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Clarke University or Drake University?
Drake University is the larger of the two, with about 2,543 undergraduates against 742 at Clarke University.
Does Clarke University or Drake University have a better graduation rate?
Drake University has the higher graduation rate, at about 76% against 56% at Clarke University.
Do graduates of Clarke University or Drake University earn more?
Drake University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $71,901 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,396 for Clarke University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Clarke University and Drake University require SAT or ACT scores?
Clarke University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Drake University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Clarke University and Drake University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 900–1160 at Clarke University and 1110–1350 at Drake University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school